The Meta Equation
At a Glance
The Meta Equation is the final report of my Industrial Design undergraduate thesis. The project spanned two semesters, the first focused on concept exploration, research and trend analysis; and the second on design development and implementation.
The Meta Equation explores the future of consumption in an Internet of Things ecosystem where every person, object and environment is connected to the internet. Existing consumption practices have proven to have inherent limitations and detrimental effects to the future of humankind. The Meta Equation provides a framework for a more sustainable, equitable and efficient model of consumption. The equation(s) are the final component of a consumption management platform that would allow us to understand, regulate and control the consumption (and production) of all resources in real time from a micro, to a global scale.
c1 - (I ÷ CSUM)
Approach
The initial direction for this project is the belief that design should deliver true meaning. This led to an exploration into the essence of consumption because everything that is designed is consumed one way or another. Consumption is universal to the human condition simply for survival. Beyond survival, the driving force has always been, and will always be, value.
The project developed into the belief that a new ideology of value has emerged due to changing human behaviours and the introduction of new technologies. Harnessing and delivering value to consumers now goes beyond the selling of goods and services, as true value is now achieved from understanding the intrinsic motivations and latent behaviours of humans. Through generative research, trend analysis, signal mapping, framework development, scenario writing and strategic thinking the Meta Equation was born.
The initial direction for this project is the belief that design should deliver true meaning. This led to an exploration into the essence of consumption because everything that’s designed is consumed one way or another. Consumption is universal to the human condition simply for survival. Beyond survival, the driving force has always been, and will always be, value.
Opportunity Conceptualization Map
