Speculative Stuff
2023 - 2024 Student Works
* The intellectual property rights of each work are owned by each student.

The AfterU






INAZ OZODKHONZODA




 Humans are complicated creatures capable of perceiving the world from diverse perspectives. However, one thing unites us all - the pursuit of meaning and purpose in our lives. Each day, we try to live better lives and make better choices. Our identities and lives are shaped by our experiences, knowledge, and emotions. It is increasingly evident that current advancements in biotechnology and artificial intelligence have the potential to redefine our conceptions of what life is. Futurists now seriously consider ideas such as reawakening after death or uploading one’s mind onto a computer. Yet, how far can future science and

technology go in defining and shaping our lives and identities?

“The AfterU” is built upon two scientific practices: cryonics and whole brain emulation. Cryonics involves freezing human bodies after death, with the hope of reviving them through future technological advances. Whole Brain Emulation is an experimental process of brain scanning to create a digital model of its neural network. Thus, the project explores the idea that if science proves that humans can be revived after death, how would our perception of life, purpose, and self change?

In the year 2100, scientists prove that cryonics can preserve human bodies after death, guaranteeing successful revival in the future. However, according to science, some brain cells gradually deteriorate after death and cannot be fully restored. To overcome this, scientists develop a device that captures and preserves the neural network of the brain at a specific time or day to be able to “rebuild” your brain during future revival, thus retrieving all your memories. Every individual is given this device at birth, enabling them to save memories for the afterlife. However, individuals are free to choose which memories, experiences, or emotions to capture or erase, thereby shaping their desired identity upon revival.

This envisioned future scenario prompts people to consider which memories or aspects of their lives, experiences, and identities they would retain or discard if given “another chance” in a new life - a chance to rebuild themselves. Would erasing bad experiences in life really make our lives better? What defines our essence? Should individuals have the power to manipulate their memories and experiences in this way, potentially altering their

sense of self and life? Since life consists of interconnected memories and experiences, where one event influences another, modifying this chain may profoundly alter who we are and the course and meaning of our lives.






2023



Speculative Stuff



Speculative Stuff documents the design works of Yonsei University's Integrated Design undergraduate students, showcasing South Korea's first speculative design course. Led by Hyunjae Daniel Shin (Assistant Professor) and Eun Sun Park (Lecturer), our 16-week program blends theoretical lectures, interactive workshops, and practical exercises.

This course aims to foster the ability to understand and speculate about macro and micro changes in technology, culture, society, and the environment through everyday products and services in future contexts. By using future scenarios, comedy techniques, and preposterous worldbuilding, students develop a critical perspective on alternative futures.