This question brings attention to a crucial challenge in our digital age, particularly the desire to replicate the emotional depth of real-life relationships within virtual spaces. However, I believe this challenge presents an opportunity to move from replication towards re-imagination. Technology has the potential to serve as a bridge that enhances our real-life connections. The goal is to design digital experiences that deepen our empathy and foster more meaningful relationships. Virtual spaces can act as temporary bridges, nurturing and enriching our connections, offering spaces where we can share experiences and deepen our understanding of one another. I remain hopeful that this approach will allow us to embrace digital tools as extensions of our real-world connections, viewing technology as complementary to our humanity and aligned with our intrinsic world needs.

The boundaries are undoubtedly subjective and largely depend on the intent and purpose behind the data collection. However, I believe it is essential that this data is gathered conscientiously and in good faith. We must carefully consider why we are collecting data and how it may be used. For example, the Incu-dater was designed to gather emotional data in order to help couples express and better understand their relationship dynamics. By revealing emotional patterns, it fosters honesty and empathy, encouraging partners to communicate openly, have meaningful conversations, and deepen their connection. This intentional use of data proved powerful in promoting understanding, empathy, and emotional intelligence. When approached with ethical intent, data collection can be a valuable tool for enhancing our relationships.

Art plays a pivotal role because it allows us to conceptualise and imagine new worlds from our unique perspectives, sparking dialogue and bringing together diverse viewpoints. Art serves as a creative sandbox, enabling us to explore and engage with potential futures while considering how technology can be integrated into our lives. It helps us envision not only what is good or bad, but also the vast range of possibilities and experiences that technology can generate, thereby shaping our emotional and societal landscapes. At its core, art fosters new ideas and perspectives, encouraging us to question, feel, and reflect on the emotional responses it evokes. It enables us to see beyond the known, embracing the myriad outcomes that arise when technology intersects with human emotions and various facets of life. This ongoing dialogue is crucial for navigating the complex future we face, where art and technology together expand our understanding and open up limitless possibilities.

That was such an exciting project! It really highlighted how seamlessly art and technology can amplify the unique passions of individuals, regardless of their field. From conceptualising and building the electronics to coding the software that transformed Adam Peaty’s swimming movements into music, the project also made me realise how creatively technology can be applied across diverse domains, manifesting in various mediums and formats. Ultimately, it demonstrates how technology can be personalised and tailored to help people express themselves in innovative and thrilling ways. I believe this could inspire future collaborations by showcasing the limitless potential of merging art and technology in ways that deeply resonate with individuals and audiences alike.

Play is a fundamental element in my practice because it functions as a universal language, transcending age, gender, language, and cultural barriers. It enables the emergence of new cultural expressions and encourages unrestrained experimentation, where new and imaginative worlds can be conceived. The freedom to imagine and explore is a rare gift—one that is often overlooked or taken for granted. This freedom is also inherently unpredictable, leading to spontaneous moments that may influence future decisions and surprise us along the way. Ultimately, play is about discovery, exploration, and learning. It shapes the way we create and find meaning, offering fresh perspectives on how we engage with the world. It allows us to experiment with technology, understand its limitations, and recognise where it may fall short or be less applicable. Embracing playfulness and experimentation is crucial in our interactions with technology, as it opens up a realm of possibilities, facilitating new ideas and forging more meaningful connections with the tools and systems we engage with.

I believe that contributing to an open-source world is a truly radical act. It moves away from consumer-oriented products and champions independent creation—making something tangible as an extension of yourself is both deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. However, open-source isn’t solely about individual expression; it’s about laying the foundations for others to build upon, together. When you open-source your work, you invite others to take the principles, ideas, or frameworks you’ve developed and evolve them in their own unique ways. It’s a process of collective co-creation—what we can achieve together. By embracing open-source principles, we empower others to apply their own independent ideas, share them, and inspire further contributions. This cycle of shared creativity allows the original concept to flourish and extend far beyond its initial boundaries. What’s exciting is that this is already happening! The more we embrace open-source models, the more we foster collaboration and innovation, enabling collective contributions to create something truly extraordinary and impactful.

My creative practice is undoubtedly deeply rooted in my personal experiences—each piece I create reflects an aspect of myself and my journey. That being said, there are several key references that have profoundly influenced my approach and way of thinking:

Donna Haraway’s theory of ‘prostheses’ is central to my work. She explores how technology can serve as extensions of the self, enabling new forms of expression and identity. This resonates with me on a profound level, as I view technology not as something that replaces us but as a tool that enhances our humanity. It’s an optimistic perspective that allows us to transcend the limitations of our physical bodies and reach new heights of creativity and innovation.

The philosophy of phenomenology has shaped how I think about perception and intentional engagement. I am also drawn to relational aesthetics, an art movement that places emphasis on participatory installations where the social context and viewer interactions form the essence of the work. This approach inspires me to create experiences that forge new human connections through collective interaction.

Speculative design and futures thinking are integral to my approach, allowing me to imagine alternative realities and challenge conventional notions of how technology and culture intersect.

On an aesthetic level, I find myself particularly drawn to retro-futurism, especially the atomic and space age. Shows like The Jetsons and Inspector Gadget have sparked my joy and fascination with playful and optimistic visions of the future, and with the ways we can imagine tomorrow.