Design for Plants: Posthumanist Approach to Speculative Design for Plants

Plants have been viewed through an anthropocentric lens by humans resulting in the undermining of plant intelligence. More specifically, this happens due to the belief that the only correct way of expressing cognition is defined by the human experience. This thesis examines how posthumanism can be applied to Speculative Design strategies to reshape how humans interact with plants. The thesis project is split into two explorations providing viewers with alternative possibilities for how humans can rekindle their relationship with plants and the natural world. The first exploration speculates about how in the future humans might use wearable technology to communicate and build relationships with plants through meaningful interactions. The second exploration uses drawings to depict an idealized future for plants once stronger relationships between humans and plants are established. The goal of my thesis is to see how design can encourage a change in attitude toward plants.