bio.bliss 3 Products, 3 Futures

Role → UX Research & Speculative Design

Timeline → Oct 2022– Dec 2022

Client → Waternet NL

Strategic Framework

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Abstract/Executive Summary

A speculative design project aimed at raising awareness of the growing threat of microplastics in Dutch waters, with the ultimate goal of influencing policy change in the Netherlands.

01

Interaction

Microplastics are in our canals, ocean life, and have been discovered in our bloodstreams. They are in our table salt, beer, fresh fruit, vegetables, and even drinking water. As of now, there is no solution despite them causing respiratory diseases, inflammation, severe allergies, cell death, and predictably DNA damage in the long term.

bio.bliss is a high-end health and wellness brand targeting life with micro-plastics and designing products for alternative futures with alternative policy changes (or lack thereof).

02

Concept

BioBliss is a speculative, high-end health and wellness brand that focuses on addressing the issue of microplastics in the environment. The project envisions products designed for alternative futures, considering the potential policy changes or lack thereof in dealing with microplastics.

03

Problem Statement

The project was initiated in response to the microplastics crisis affecting Dutch canals in collaboration with Waternet NL, the primary water provider for Amsterdam. The central issue is the absence of policies to address the microplastics problem at a legal level, despite its critical urgency. The project's objective was to initiate conversations, create awareness among concerned citizens, and ideally drive long-term policy change.

04

Strategy

The project strategy was influenced by the Policy Co-Design Playbook by OpenResearch Amsterdam.

The primary focus was on shifting power dynamics towards citizens by providing them with information and education to encourage them to inquire, engage, and take self-initiated actions. This approach aimed for a more sustainable and lasting impact.

Shifting power dynamics towards the citizen

05

Implementation

the project implemented its strategy through speculative design, creating BioBliss, a fictitious high-end wellness company that envisions treatments and cosmetics for a future where microplastics are ubiquitous. Only those who can afford BioBliss products can survive in this dystopian scenario.

1. The Co-Exist Collection:

The Nano-Plastic Fingerprick Analyzer

A future where microplastics continue to infiltrate our bloodstreams through contaminated food, water, and cosmetics.

The Nano-Plastic Fingerprick Analyzer detects nanoplastic presence and includes an emergency vial to remedy high nanoplastic concentrations.

2. The Prevention Collection:

The Bethnic Clearing Capsules.

A future focused on prevention strategies for microplastics.

The Bethnic Clearing Capsules use advanced Bethnic technology to filter microplastics from food and water.

2. The Future-Forward Collection:

The Cotton Serum.

A future focused on prevention strategies for microplastics.

The Bethnic Clearing Capsules use advanced Bethnic technology to filter microplastics from food and water.

06 The Platform

A faux eco-commerce platform was created for BioBliss, allowing users to explore the collections and products. As users scrolling through the platform, they are confronted with a message that brings them back to the reality of the current microplastics issue.