Design probe: Back in the Netherlands, we wondered how we could use the Greek insights in a completely different context, where public healthcare is more efficient for now. Based on a few key notions such as transparency, collaboration and trust, we developed a concept of a street medication vending machine. People can buy common medication for a set price of 5€, whether the product is actually worth less (like Paracetamol) or more (like a pregnancy test). It would create a jackpot, the extra money collected serving to finance the expensive medication.

We expect a whole new range of behaviour linked to this machine. Perhaps people in need would wait around to make sure they get an expensive product, others may want to be seen donating, some may be shy to buy their medicine in public and others may simply not trust such a system…

Data Building Blocks: We made data building blocks for members of the public get a visual impression of their current data worth. By materialising this abstract but very real notion we spark a discussion as our par ticipants build their data towers and are confronted with the height. This turned out especially confronting, insightful and educational for children and parents participating. After the campus visit, we prototyped an online data protection platform. This mixed the analogue, and DIY Instructables culture with technology to bring about more awareness of how data collection affects every aspect of our lives.

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Data as currency: “Own your own data, and use it to buy a bag of chips.” The data currency vending machine is a design probe. It is designed to speculate with the public on the potential future of data collection and to encourage the reflection of how much their data is worth. A bag of chips? More? Less? We aim to set up a fair exchange whereby the customer has full control and transparency on the data they give away and can choose to use it as their own commodity. The customer fills out a personal questionnaire on the interface to receive the bag of chips.

The material was inspired by plywood and uses a layering technique of different woods with copper sheets. The material is then sanded to the form and amount of copper required. These samples are examples of how the material can be used for flat counter tops, rounded handrails, or negative shapes. The location and quantity of copper can depend on the touch area of that surface. The amount of copper showing is flexible as more wood can be sanded away if the touch surface grows or changes.

After a time spent at Albert Steenbergen’s family ropery ‘Touwslager’ I came to discover that we are potentially down to our last generation of rope makers, with only 3 large functioning roperies left in the Netherlands.

Transforming a collection of fibres so they can work together to form a new tool has been crucial to our historic civilisations. Taking an available material, twisting it into tension to give it strength, flexibility and through this, a new purpose is for me the essence of rope making. This is where I see big potential. Playing with and influencing the different qualities, strengths and aesthetics of that rope through a variable in the handcrafting is where I see inspiration.

How can we remind the new generation of the significance, and possibilities of the craft and get them inspired by rope?

With plenty of fast-growing Birch trees in and around our cities, I want to remind people of the availability and possibilities of the extracts the Birch tree has to offer. The project aims to encourage people not to rely solely on the industry for easily extractable substances, and through this rekindle an appreciation for the tree.