Electro-Draught Excluder

by Dunne and Raby (2001)

Electro-Draught Excluder is part of a larger design-research project called Placebo. Placebo project is an experiment in taking conceptual design beyond the gallery and into everyday life.  The objects are designed to elicit stories about the secret life of electronic objects.

Electro-Draught Exluder is made from conductive foam, it isn't grounded and therefore doesn't absorb radiation.  It was designed to investigate whether or not it would make the user feel more comfortable if it was placed infront of an electronic device.

What we really like:

The thinking behind the project.  This is a critical design project that highlights potential health-issues that are associated with electronic devices.  This and the other Placebo projects are great examples of how one can create impact and create awareness by exploring the bigger questions associated with objects and electronic objects. For Objects Sandbox this could be particularly interesting as the objects will be internet-connected.

Some other thoughts:

The final prototypes for Objects Sandbox will need to be Internet-connected and if they're not, a very strong case will have to be made relating to customer, audience, impact, potential exploitation post-Sandbox and how it relates to the Internet of Things.

Please Note: All of these examples are intended for inspiration purposes only and are a curated selection of what currently exists within the Internet of Things and Academic Research.  As ideas they may not have been eligible for Objects Sandbox. Please refer to the eligibility criteria for further information.