Quetta

A discursive design exhibition about the impact of the Internet on the environment

Exhibited at the GoGreenOffice TU/e

Quetta

Image
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Tags

Sustainability Internet Data Physicalization

Date

June 2023 (semester group project)

Links

Climate change is arguably one of the most defining crisis of our time. While it is known that sectors like aviation, transport and agriculture massively contribute to this problem, the impact of the internet on the environment is often overlooked. The intangible nature of the internet has made its sustainability aspect challenging to grasp. This opens up opportunities for designers to make products and experiences that make this problem more tangible. Through a discursive design approach, Quetta is created. An exhibition that stimulates conversation and makes the internet and its impact on the environment less abstract and more understandable. With the aim stimulating (the design of) thoughtful internet consumption.

Three final artefacts

WiFinder
Design Process
The WiFinder uses an Arduino Wi-Fi module to gauge Wi-Fi signal strength. By employing a speaker and a vibration motor, it conveys signal strength through pulsations to the user.
Design Process
WiFinder in use on the TU/e campus
Shop your data
Prototyping
To make a connection between CO2 emission and personal Internet usage, we developed a shopping website where visitors select their Internet usage and see the C02 emission of this usage. They can weigh their internet usage on the scale and get a personalized receipt with actionable tips they could do to reduce their environmental impact.
Posters
Prototyping
An infographic explaining what happens within the internet infrastructure when you watch a YouTube video in the Netherlands
Prototyping
Facts about your internet usage and the environment

Quetta

We gave this exhibition the name “QUETTA”. As a brand-new measurement, Quetta is a 1 with 30 zeros. It was implemented in November 2022 to keep up with the exponential growth of data. We chose this name for the exhibition to raise awareness of the significant energy consumption and environmental impact caused by the fast-expanding volume of data on servers worldwide.

Next Project: VENTI  →