Anthropocene Sensors
Using design fiction to explore how environmental sensing technologies could shape everyday life in an increasingly monitored world.
Context
Anthropocene Sensors was a collaborative design research project completed as part of the MA Design: Expanded Practice at Goldsmiths, University of London.
The project explored the growing role of environmental sensing technologies in everyday life, examining how systems that monitor air quality, energy consumption, and climate are becoming increasingly embedded within domestic environments. Rather than viewing these technologies as purely technical tools, the project investigated their social, cultural, and emotional impact through speculative design.
Challenge
Environmental sensing systems often operate invisibly, collecting data that influences behaviour without users fully understanding how the systems function.
The challenge was communicating these complex technologies in a way that felt accessible and engaging. Rather than producing a traditional research project, we explored how storytelling could encourage people to reflect on their relationship with intelligent environmental systems.
Our Approach
Creating a Fictional World
The project was set within a fictional Season 11 of the television series Friends, imagining how the characters might navigate climate change, smart homes, remote working, and environmental sensing technologies.
Using a familiar cultural setting allowed complex technological ideas to become approachable through humour and everyday situations.
Designing Speculative Products
We developed a collection of conceptual sensing devices that existed within this fictional world. Each product explored a different relationship between people, technology, and environmental data, encouraging discussion rather than proposing commercial solutions.
Building the Narrative
To communicate the project, we produced a complete speculative ecosystem including a pilot episode script, storyboard, physical props, a video trailer, and a live table-read performance. These outputs allowed audiences to experience the research through narrative rather than explanation.
Research Through Design
The project combined methods from speculative design, Science and Technology Studies, and participatory research. Design became the vehicle for exploring broader questions around environmental responsibility, automation, and human agency.
The Work
Created a speculative Season 11 of Friends as a narrative framework for exploring environmental sensing technologies.
Designed a collection of speculative domestic sensing devices that examined the relationship between people, data, and the home.
Wrote the pilot episode script, integrating environmental technologies into everyday scenarios.
Produced a storyboard, concept artwork, and physical props to visualise the speculative world.
Directed and produced a video trailer and live table-read performance to communicate the project.
Designed a companion workbook extending the speculative products, scenarios, and research beyond the pilot episode.
