and thus educates them on the topic. When relooking this design brief it became obvious that the client is looking to provoke discussion in one way or another, be this through a kit or through another form of product/interaction.The final concept is a laboratory notebook combined with a microscope; the laboratory notebook describes the process of creating a synthetic bacterium and requires the user to make decisions during this process, the result of these decisions on bacterial level can be seen through the microscope.An example of such a decision is introducing the bacterium in nature and the consequences related to this or a decision for people to start using these bacteria in their home. These decisions aim at starting discussion. Through this discussion people will start thinking further on the topic and its implications, be it positive or negative.

Tom Kölker S093783 – B3.2 Faculty of Industrial Design Technische Universiteit Eindhoven 11-06-2012

This document reports the design process of the SynBioKit project done at Technische Universiteit Eindhoven’s Industrial Design Faculty by Tom Kölker.The focal point of the project is Synthetic Biology; “Analyzing and recreating of DNA in order to create synthetic bacteria, that do not naturally occur or improve naturally occurring ones. These bacteria can bring huge benefits to society, although they are not without risks. Examples of benefits are bacteria that are able to convert wasted plastic into biodiesel or bacteria producing a drug for a specific disease. One of the major risk is that no one knows what happens if these bacteria grown beyond control after being released into the ‘wild’.”The point of the project is to get society familiarized with the subject. This in order to avoid a negative attitude, similar to genetic modifica-tion, towards Synthetic Biology.Biotecture, a startup company focused on the education of society on the topic & client, have written a design brief that proposes the creation of a SynBioKit. Something that allows people to get hands on with synthetic biology

SYNOPSIS

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5

INDEXSynopsis 3

Introduction 6

Client/Design Brief 8

Pressure Cooker 10

Synthetic Biology 12

Research: 14 Legislation 14 Possibilities 15 Ethics 16 Public Opinion 17 Synthetic Biology Events 17 Inspiration/BioArt 18

Reframing 20 Reframing II 22

Idea Generation: 24 Battle of Bacteria 24 Plantagotchi 25 Viewmaster 26

Viewmaster 28

Prototyping: 30 Physical object 30 Literature 44 Interaction 48

Business Model 50

Final Product 52 Feedback 54

Discussion 58

Reflection 59

References 60

Appendix A

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Ove the pas four months a project of called SynBioKit was done in the Next Nature theme at the Faculty of Industrial Design at Technische Universiteit Eindhoven.This project is done for a company called Biotecture who are at the forefront of education and communication on the subject of Synthetic Biology; the main focus of this project.The project aim to develop an educational kit on the topic mentioned before. As it is such an known topic Biotecture want to educate society on its possibilities in order to prevent a negative image on the field, look at what happened to genetical modification and the way this is looked upon.This document reports on the steps taken in the design process as well as looking at the client, society, users and the final concept.If any questions arise feel free to contact me.

Have fun,Tom Kölkert.k.m.kolker@student.tue.nl+31634441664

S093783 - B3.2Faculty of Industrial DesignTechnische Universiteit Eindhoven

2012

INTRODUCTION

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everyday life. Therefore the kit should contain hands-on biology with a clear, visual attractive and applicable output.The SynBioKit should reside between the already available kits to learn about genetics and nanotechnology on the one hand and the toys of the artist Adam Brandejes on the other hand.Depending on the outcome, your design will be used as an educational tool for science muse-ums, (high)schools, households, in-structional material during (science) events/workshops.During this project you will learn about a new emerging technology with much potential. In addition your kit might play a role in filling the knowledge gap of synthetic biology in society.”

The SynBioKit project is done for the Next Nature theme as well as Biotec-ture, functioning as client. Biotecture is an organization focusing on the education of society of the subject of synthetic biology as well as doing research and writing papers on it. As it is an up an coming technology, Biotecture is at the forefront of synthetic biology’s promotion and implementation. Up until now the main focus of the company has been to give so called “workshops”, which are more lectures than actual workshops, at secondary schools, conventions and museums. Often preaching to the converted, as people interested in synthetic biology will visit conventions and museums on the subject. The project aim to inform the masses about synthetic biology in such a way that neither negative nor positive points are highlighted. In order to create an as balanced image of the subject as possible. The design brief stated:“The challenge is to design and build an (educational) kit that provides users a good understanding of synthetic biology, the possible applications or the impact of this emerging technology on their

CLIENT/DESIGN BRIEF

SynBioKit Design Brief

The conclusion of this idea generation session that it is difficult to synthesize the newly gained knowledge into a product as it is just the tip of the iceberg as well as for the fact that there has not been a client meeting, yet. What is possible is trying to create an overall feeling of the product in order to influence the idea people have on synthetic biology.The end result of this 2-day pressure cooker is a proposal for a photo shoot. This photo shoot would have a very nostalgic feeling of grandma cooking in the kitchen, e.g. making jam or preserving fruits. But instead of using the normal kitchen devices & fruit she would be using laboratory gear and bacterial colonies.This series of photos would repre-sent a mood Biotecture might want to communicate to their target area when talking about synthetic biology.

To kick off the project, a two-day pres-sure cooker was done. As the topic is a very specific one this week started out with trying to define what synthetic biology is, on the one hand, and what the “problem” is, on the other hand.In order to quickly grasp the possibilities and understand its essence a documentary, talk show and a couple of lecture were watched: BBC Horizon – Playing God (Synthetic Biology)- Episode 7/15 – 2011/2012 Steve Paikin – My Synthetic Life Andrew Hessel – Introduction to Synthetic Biology (at Singularity University, 2009). Andrew Hessel – The Future of Synthetic Biology ( at Singularity University, 2009)As well as reading different descriptions of synthetic biology in papers and on the internet (Wikipedia/forums/DIY biology websites). The latter is very broad and non-scientific but it can give a good overview on the image of society on a subject.After establishing a general sense of what synthetic biology is and what its possible implications are, an idea generation session was done.

PRESSURE COOKER

Jars used for fruit preservation

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engineered surrogates.The advance of synthetic biology relies on several key enabling technologies provided at ever increas-ing speed and lower cost. DNA sequencing, fabrication of genes, modelling how synthetic genes behave, and precisely measuring gene behaviour are essential tools in synthetic biology.” Even though Wikipedia is not considered to be a scientific source it can give a good reflection of the way society sees it. The definition given by Wikipedia is still a bit to scientific. A personal definition of synthetic biology:“Today’s technology allows us to be able to print pieces of DNA. There are printed that, if fed glucose, are able to do so. These pieces of DNA code for a specific protein and thus function, allowing biologists to add a specific function to a bacteria. Or, a bit more futuristic, create entirely new bacteria. Either way biologist nowadays are able to create bacteria that do not occur in nature as we know it. This means that bacteria can be created that have the ability to consume oil or plastics or are able to produce biodiesel or specific kinds of medicines. Something which can bring huge advantages to our world.”

After this initial pressure cooker and the first client meeting, a phase of more deepened research started. First and foremost with trying to define synthetic biology and form an opinion on the subject.According to Wikipedia: “Synthetic biology is a new area of biological research and technology that combines science and engineering. It encompasses a variety of different ap-proaches, methodologies, and disciplines with a variety of definitions. The common goal is the design and construction of new biological functions and systems not found in nature.The scientists who engage in synthetic biology research approach the creation of new biological system from different perspectives, focusing on finding how life works (the origin of life) or how to use it to benefit society. The former focus includes the approach of Biology, inserting man-made DNA into a living cell; and Chemistry, working on gene synthesis as an extension of synthetic chemistry. The latter focus includes Engineering, building the new biological system as a platform for various technologies; and Rewriting, rebuilding the natural systems to provide the

SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY

Synthetic Biology laboratory.

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Concluding that anything this possible, a huge blank space that is to be filled with research and possible applications of synthetic biology.This blank space in what is possible might also be one of the things scaring people, so if anything is possible what is someone with bad intentions picks something like this up?

Possibilities.To start seeing possibilities, the basics of the process needed to be understood. Therefore Biotecture provided us with a synthetic biology “crash-course”. A day in which they lectured about the most important processes inside of cells, DNA and how synthetic biology works inside of a cell. After which they introduced some examples of already viable synthetic bacteria.With this new knowledge gained the possibilities seem are endless in this subcategory of biology. Creativity is the limit; from bacteria making your house smell like bananas to one that able to shut down parts of the brain to avoid epileptic episodes or diminish the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. At this point intensive research is done all over the world by big organisations like NASA, scientists and universities into the possibilities in different fields. Even though this technology needs time to develop and perfect, there seems to be no denying that it is coming. It maybe only inside a laboratory but allowing society to profit from the products made by specific bacteria or be it “free” in the outside world.

not allow patenting in this area of biology to keep the research done as fair as possible.In America legislation is different; there are examples of product which are the result of synthetic biology already on the market. The DIY community in the area of synthetic biology is more active and vastly larger than in Europe due to less strict legislation.In other parts of the world, e.g. India, South America, legislation is even less strict.In short; at this point it is not possible to have people experiment with synthetic biology at home.

After gaining a personal definition, the research on synthetic biology was split up into multiple themes: 1. Legislation 2. Possibilities 3. Ethics 4. Public Opinion 5. Synthetic Biology Events 6 Inspirational productsThe next paragraph will shortly indi-cate the conclusions taken from this research.

Legislation.At this point in time there is no all covering legislation on the topic of synthetic biology. As with a lot of other laws, different governments have different opinions on specific topics. When talking about the European Union, no synthetically created bacteria are allowed outside of laboratories. Laboratories also have a specific safety level which allows them to perform specific protocols, if the safety level is not awarded to a laboratory these protocols cannot be executed. Even though legislation is strict there are some DIY laboratories throughout Europe were people are trying out the possibilities of synthetic biology.At this point there is a treaty that does

RESEARCH

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Synthetic Biology Events.During the course of this project several events related to synthetic biology in the Netherlands were visited.The first was the biology “crash-course”, mentioned earlier, given by Biotecture. A refresh course in biology and deepening knowledge in the specific area of synthetic biology.Second was Naturalis Late Night: BioArt on 28-02-2012, a talk show in Naturalis Leiden featuring synthetic biology with guests & speakers from different backgrounds; scientists, media artists, designers & philosophers. All of them shedding light on their view on synthetic biology.Thirdly a lecture by Sissel Tolaas on smell given at the Design Huis was visited.The fourth and last was the first DIY Synthetic Biology meet up in The Hague, the first organized meeting for the community of DIY biologists in the Netherlands.

Public Opinion. In this part of the process a lot of discussing the topic was done with various people; Industrial Design students, family members, housemates etc. From these discussions several things were noted.At this point in time it seems like a lot of people automatically related synthetic biology to genetic manipulation, a topic which has a fairly negative image. People see genetic manipulation as something bad and thus start seeing synthetic biology as something that is bad. Then after introducing them to current possibilities and legislation their opinion start to become a bit more balanced. The opinion of a specific person also seems to relate directly to their background. E.g. religion and culture have a big effect on someone’s opinion on topics like synthetic biology.In short; even though some people were very negative when introducing the subject, as said before, they also were able to see the positive sides and possibilities of the field. It seems that through debate and correct information people are willing to become more accepting towards synthetic biology.

specific, to be defined level of acceptance of synthetic biology in future.The overall conclusion is that the more eminent the technology will become it is important that transparency towards society is high. This is order to initiate debate on the subject and allowing people to adjust and get used to the idea.

Ethics.The last question posed is a nice link to the ethical part of this field. The big question behind this is if we should do it at all. Are we playing God? If yes should we be doing so? Then there are questions of how to distribute this technology equally over the world. At this point a lot of money has to go to research to improve the technology. How do we ensure that e.g. Africa benefits equally from synthetic biology as another continent would do? Then there are large multinationals also having a say in this, e.g. Shell. What if there is a synthetic bacterium able to produce biodiesel on a large scale for a much lower price than modern day oil companies can produce fuel. Would it be right for a multinational like Shell to buy out a synthetic bacteria laboratory?There are a lot of questions posed in this field of biology and most of them are to be defined in future. Different people will have different opinions but this will probably be the best way to define the ethical guidelines on the topic. The discussion between different groups on specific questions will lead to an enriched view of society on the matter. Leading to a

RESEARCH

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discussion and awareness.Contest like Designer & Artists 4 Genomics Award & iGem, providing a context for students & designers to find new possibilities of synthetic biology. As a greater goal bringing the field further in its development.

Overall Conclusion.Nothing is allowed outside of the lab and it is very hard for a normal person to get hands on with synthetic biology.Discussion is a very important thing in trying to inform people. If people start a discussion with other people or within themselves on a topic they will be more eager to learn and become correctly informed. Informed on the factual process as well as ethical questions.

Inspiration/BioArt.When looking for inspiration several design/art related products were found; E.Chromi a collaboration between Alexandra Daisy Ginsberg, James Kind and undergraduate students from Cambridge University: a synthetic bacteria that is consumed and keeps on living in your intestines. Then this bacterium makes your poo discolour in a certain way to indicate the presence of a specific matter or condition. Microbial Home by Philips: A project showing possible synthetic bi-ology applications for the home settings. Like a lamp filled with algae able to turn sunlight into synthetic light or a synthetic beehive for the home. System Synthetics by Maurizio Montalti: An installation containing a synthetic biological form of fungus and yeast able to break down plastic and convert them to bioethanol.All of these are not actual product but more hints of what the future of synthetic biology might look like. All of them are only possible in a lab right now, as described in the previous section on legislation, but provide food for thought and provoke

RESEARCH

E.Chromi

System Synthetics

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from her dress. Indicating differences in culture and making people think about the action of cutting into someone else’s clothes. This all without saying a word, discussion is generated and people form opinions through the action of cutting.

was asked: “Where is the actual value in Biotecture as a company?”Biotecture are very good at educating people in their “workshops”. They do not provide a lot of food for thought or discussion, mostly trying to create knowledge by factual education. Gaining in this discussion part could be very valuable as discovered when talking to people on the subject.After the factual part of the workshop, people can do an “experiment” which is a fake or theoretical one. Another area that could be gained upon, letting people interact with matter will make a concept clearer to them. Also providing the ordinary man to become more hands on with the topic, even though legislation prevents actual experiments .Creating discussion and being more hands-on could become essential in this step in education done by Biotecture as well as in the SynBioKit.Thinking further on the combination of discussion generation and getting hands-on lead the project towards performance art. Leading me to a performance called “Cut Piece” by Yoko Ono; the performance is her in a draped dress kneeling on stage requesting attendees to cut a piece

At this point a lot of insight is gained in synthetic biology, its background, people’s view on the matter & inspiring BioArt but it seems to be very difficult to relate this all to a concrete product or service that is valuable to Biotecture, eventual users (society) and me as the designer in this context. The wants of these three participants:The design brief & client; stating the client want something sellable between a science kit and an art project. The audience; something that refrains from preaching to the converted and create something that can also appeal to the masses.Me as a designer; creating something that pleases me as a designer and allows me to progress on a professional level.To start forming concepts, setting goals seemed the best thing to do at this point in time. The end result has to: 1. Be educative/informative. 2. Provide food for thought/ discussion. 3. Be as hands on as possible. 4. Be graspable to the user.To elaborate on these goals and the context of the project, the question

REFRAMING

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decontextualizing and concretizing information the example of ; Vitamins’ guide to set up your phone was given; a manual is almost never read, Vitamins redesign this into a book that engages people as well as taking them through the steps of setting up their phone and doing basic actions. They have done a great job in decontextualizing and concretizing the factual information of a manual. The guide allows people to get hand on without having to be an expert in the field and feeds peoples As said before, if done right this reframing of workshops can add a lot of value to them as well as to Biotecture as a company.At this point Biotecture started to get a bit confused and expressed this in clear manner. Is this what they wanted? Why has this guy looked at our workshops instead of creating a new product? And more questions a like arose.This confusion was mainly due to a bit of a misunderstanding, as the proposal stated a redesign of the workshop, but the theme of initiating discussion in order to generate knowledge was central. Something that was probably overlooked by Biotecture.

Thinking further on the combination of discussion generation and getting hands-on lead the project towards performance art. Leading me to a performance called “Cut Piece” by Yoko Ono; the performance is her in a draped dress kneeling on stage requesting attendees to cut a piece from her dress. Indicating differences in culture and making people think about the action of cutting into someone else’s clothes. This all without saying a word, discussion is generated and people form opinions through the action of cutting.What would happen if this way of provoking and discussion generation was applied to Biotecture’s workshops? Doing a workshop on saving or destroying the world, turning your dog green, battle of the bacteria. Or on purpose performing a very clumsy workshop to initiate the discussion of possible effects of this clumsiness. In whatever form at this point a proposal in done to review and repackage the workshops given by Biotecture as there is a lot of value in them. Especially when looking at what is possible within the limits of legislation.To illustrate the strength of

REFRAMING II

Vitamins’ Out of the Box manual.

Yoko Ono durin a perfomance of “Cut Piece”.

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Initial sketch for plantagotchi concept.Initial sketche for the battle of bacteria concept.

2. Plantagotchi.This concept lends from the tama-gotchi, something that can be kept alive if looked after.A plant contained in a box that is in-fected by a specific virus. A bacteria is included which could possible save the plant if the user interacts with the plant enough. This could be through touch, movement, sounds, etc.

As Biotecture did not see the direct link between a possible future in the project and the way the proposal for redesign was written, three concepts were created to illustrate the intention of project. 1. Battle of bacteria.A system that would allow people to create a personal synthetic bacterium able to “battle” other bacteria in a closed set up. People are provided with an interface in which they are able to design their own bacterium and get it delivered to their home.

IDEA GENERATION

An original viewmaster.

3. Viewmaster.This concept is based on an old fash-ioned ViewMaster allowing you to see real life Disney and space environ-ments.An object allowing people to see what happens on bacterial level when a syn-thetic bacterium is created as well as when it would be implemented.

IDEA GENERATIONThis viewmaster concept seems to be the most promising. As it has the most possibilities to combine a hands-on feeling with factual information as well as trying to combine education with entertainment. Something that would be harder to achieve in the first two concepts. Thus be the most suited when wanting to instigate discussion-for knowledge generation.The latter concept also could become an integral part of the Biotecture workshops, allowing for the concept to be a kit as well as a prop in the workshops.

27

Initial sketches of the viewmaster concept.

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connected and what impression this interaction gives off.In a the chapter coming up on the final concept, these goals wil be elaboprated further.

future scenario of how a synthetic bacterium would work. All of them are possible. Multiple books are possible as well, if the user has a device add on books with different topics would be a nice option. 2.Provide food for thought / discussion.The literature part will contain choices that will needed to be decided upon by the user. These effect of these choices on the bacterium at hand and its behaviour will be visible through the object. 3. Be as hands on as possible.The concept provides a context for the user to be able to interact with syn-thetic biology in a feasible manner (legally and financially). If the simula-tion is performed in a good manner he/she will have the impression that the effect of the choices and questions mentioned before is actually his/her accomplishment. 4. Be graspable to the user.This depends very much on the way the “experiment” is set up. The level of difficulty in the books is variable therefore there should not be a problem here. The interaction be-tween the book and the object will become key here. It is important to think about the way these will be

The concept is two-fold: a physical object allowing people to see what is going on, on bacterial level and literature guiding them in their “experiment”.Both of these objects will have to have a scientific feel to them in order to make the experiment feel real; as it essentially is a simulation of an experiment.The book will be a combination of factual information on synthetic biology and the process of making a synthetic bacteria as well as incorporating questionsprovoking discussion on the newly gained knowledge. These questions can relate to everything related to the process , e.g. lab protocols, to ethics of the subject, should be release something into nature that is not natural, and everything in between.The object will have to be as realistic as possible to enrich the scientific experience of the user.The goals stated that the end result should: 1. Be educative/informative:The literate part of the concept can be as factual as the client wants it to be. Informing people on synthetic biology as a whole, the process of creating a synthetic bacterium or a

VIEWMASTER

31

with in the next phase of the process.To simulate the workings of the electronics an Android Phone is used, using NFC to be able to kick start the desired footage. NFC is a small chip able to remember a set number of bits, therefore it “remembers” which footage a specific NFC tag is linked to.Apps were written that allow the phone to recognize these individual tags. These app basically say that if tag A is scanned app A is initialized. App A has a specific start up sequence; when the screen is initialized it is put in landscape mode and a specific piece of footage is selected form the memory of the device. This selection initiates the playback to the footage. The code used to program this is added in the appendix A.In a producible version of this concept the phone will need to be replace by a custom PCB allowing the same nteraction.

synthetic biological experiment. The direction was now set towards a shape that is more like a microscope. Therefore the most iconic image of a microscope that was found served as the main source of inspiration.Eventually ending up with an object in a glossy white & matte black colour scheme resembling an iconic form of microscope.The second part of the physical object in the integration of electronics. The object needs to include a screen as well as an initiator. This initiator will be elaborated on in the paragraph on the interaction between the object and the book.For this initiator multiple options where considered: QR codes – A code is set and cannot be changed, it needs to be scanned by a camera therefore placement is very important.RFID Tags – Placement is not very important as long as the tag is near the reader, can become fairly expensive, available bit space is limited though.NFC – Placement is not important and is even functional up to 10 cm from the reader, fairly cheap, direct Android compatibility.The latter has the most advantages, meaning that this will be continued

Prototyping.The eventual prototype will consist out of two elements: 1. The physical object. 2. Literature. 3. The interaction between the object and the book.Physical object.At the start of a prototyping process are sketches and low-fi models. In this case the first sketches of vary abstract objects. Using shapes like triangles, squares & hexagons as basic shapes. After which the attention was direct more towards objects that have a stronger relation to looking at a scene up close like binoculars or a telescope, these objects do link to zooming in on something specific but do not directly relate to a biology lab. At this point microscopes, or at least the shape, become interesting. Would it be possible to combine the abstract shapes with influences of microscopes?At this point the combination does not give off the desired feeling of a scientific and believable experiment tool. This due to the fact that the shape does not link enough to a microscope. At this point it became obvious that a too complex shape would take away from the feeling aimed for; a real

PROTOTYPING

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notebook would be the most obvious choice. As the style and feel fit an experiment very well, something key in getting the overall mood across. Adding a layer of depth to the simulation of a synthetic biological lab experiment by another actual lab tool. The factual content of the book comes from Biotecture as they are the expert in this field. The only alteration to this content is the way the facts are described and the provision of background information; as the concept is meant for a normal person it needs to be scientific but understandable. Therefore some simplification was needed and background information added, e.g. when talking about plasmids, a definition of plasmids is given as well as using normal terms to describe its function in a process.The images that will be used in the book are all stylised images of the processes going on as well as photographs taken inside an actual laboratory to indicate what actually is going on in the lab. These photographs were taken in the lab of Gemini, Bio Medical Engineering of Technische Universiteit Eindhoven.

Literature.As described before the literature will be a combination between factual information and choices/questions initiating debate on a topic related to synthetic biology.The form of this book is something defined in a similar manner to the physical object; starting out with sketches and low-fidelity models.Multiple formats were taken into account: 1. A poster/game board showing a diagram of the possible process and all its branches, indicating a process. 2. A foldout set up allowing the user to fold out a specific page belonging to a specific choice or question, enhancing the experimental feel. 3.A booklet using tabs, dividing the process into specific parts and guiding people through these part like an adventure story. Choices and ques-tions direct you to another tab in the book. 4. A laboratory notebook, a hardbound book normally used as a journal by scientist/biologist to prove research findings an provide protocols.Looking at the direction of the physical object, becoming a lot like a real microscope, the laboratory

PROTOTYPING

45

Initial sketches of possible book forms

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The interaction between the object and the book.The link between the book and the object and the interaction was created due to the form the microscope had taken on. In the beginning a movie was made with the coardboard models of the smaal objects to give an indication of how the concept could work.As the shape of the physical ob-ject moved towards a more scien-tific lab style so did the interaction. Looking to find a suitable attribute to package this interaction in lead me to laboratory glass catalogues. In which galss petri dishes were displayed, something very obvious as they are very common in laboratories and are a very recognisable laboratory tool. Then there is the action of putting the petri dish into the microscope, a very specific interaction adding a lot of be-lievability to the concept.The petri dishes will also function as initiator, kick starting specific pieces of footages linked to specific parts of the book. Each petri dish will include its own NFC tag containing the code to initiate a specific piece of footage.

PROTOTYPING

49

Petri dishes, eventually, used in the interaction between book and microscope.

Initial interaction movie.

Customer C:Thomas, 36, Artist.Thomas already owns a SynBioKit de-vice and wants a new piece of literature to play around with. Finds the website and pick the one he likes at this point in time.School:A secondary school inviting Biotec-ture to give a workshop on synthetic biology.Publisher:Literature has to be printed, therefore a publisher or publishing foundation has to be found in order to do so. An example of a low cost professional publisher is Blurb.Supplier:Devices have to be produced, therefore a supplier has to be found to do so. Using standardized parts will keep the costs as low a possible. Aiming at a selling price of €60 in total.All in all the addition the concept will open up a new entrance in business but will also bring along work on the back end; having to deal with suppliers.

Some time was spent on analysing Biotecture as a business and what my concept would add to their business model.Now Biotecture would only serve schools and organisations hiring them to do a workshop,My concept opens the market for new customer variant. Figure notes.Customer A:Harrie, 25, Professional Architect, University Degree in Architecture.Harrie has always been interested in biology, visiting exhibitions/museums on different related topic. He was looking through some information online and found the Biotecture website. Saw the SynBioKit and decided to order a complete starters package; device & literature.Customer B:Madelijn, 17, Studying VWO – Natuur & Gezondheid.Madelijn attended one of the workshops given by Biotecture at her school. Here she was introduced to the SynBioKit in context and was able to see its use. She found it very interesting and decides to order a complete starter package form the Biotecture website.

BUSINESS MODEL

Business model proposal.

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These workshops might also start to become live commercials to sell the kits to schools or individual attendees.All in all the focus of the MicroSynBio is to educate but most importantly to instigate discussion within the user or between users, in order to generate knowledge. It does this through being educative, providing food for thought through questions and choices, is hands-on and graspable for the user (the goals mentioned in reframing the design brief).Through this knowledge generation and discussion society will start becoming familiar with the topic of synthetic biology.

The final product is called MicroSynBio and consists out of two elements. A microscope and a laboratory notebook.This laboratory notebook will initially be sold with the microscope as well as new add-ons becoming available over time, lengthening the life of the product.These laboratory notebooks contain factual information on e.g. the process of creating a synthetic bacterium or a scenario of how such a bacterium might behave outside of the lab in the future. There are choices to be made (on process steps) and questions (relating to the ethics and legislator side of this field) to be answered in the book affecting the bacterium written about.Specimens in petri dishes linked to the factual as well as the choice/question parts in the book are supplied to the user. When one of these petri dishes is put under the microscope the user is able to see what is going on and what the effect on the bacterium is as the result of a specific choice or question.that could use the microscope in demonstrating what is going on. As well as using a unique laboratory notebook for specific workshops.

FINAL PRODUCT

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After repeating parts of the pitch given before-“Oooh ok so it’s for people outside not inside a lab. I think the confusion arose due to the fact that you are wearing a lab coat.” Overall people were willing to play with the prototype and interacted with it as expected.

During the past exhibition people were asked to express their opinion on the MicroSynBio after interacting with it.Overall the reaction were very positive on the look and feel on the concept. People believed the prototype to be a microscope or at least a device that does what a microscope does. People seemed to get the overall scientific vibe aimed for in the process of making the MicroSynBio.Direct feedback included these comments:Koert van Mensvoort: “Inserting the petri dish makes it even more believ-able than it already was, something ttributing a lot to the comment.”Arne Hendriks: “The overall setup looks very serious!”Rein Lucassen: “A really nice prototype but how do I learn about the future of synthetic biology after I’ve seen the basics.” – This is something that will be done through follow up books, the content of these can vary from creating different species of synthetic bacteria to future scenarios.Enitia Karijodinomo: “I do not really understand the concept, why would this add anything to a laboratory?”

FEEDBACK

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DISCUSSIONThere are points to look into might Biotecture be interested in taking Mi-croSynBio further.First of all there is the electronics part, a custom PCB has to be developed to function in the way the substitute mo-bile phone does at the moment. A well as the software powering these elec-tronics needs to be written to function fully.Second is the prototype, suppliers need to be found that are able to pro-duce and assemble the microscope in such a way that it functions as well as looks realistic.Thirdly books have to be written and designed to find an optimum between looks and cost.Fourthly user research has to be deep-ened because at the moment the user evaluation has been very brief. Some-thing that can help the concept grow.

little less attention to is user research. Biotecture could have helped me a lot as they are the experts and have contact to set up small users tests. During this project the main focus within the competency area of user focus & perspective was working with scientists/Biotecture and a feedback session at the exhibition. If Biotecture wants to continue this project, this is something to look at. As well as for me personally, user research is something that needs to become a more integral part of my design process.Overall I feel very confident in my process, apart from the previously mentioned point, and am proud of the end result.

REFLECTIONDuring the pas semester my main focus has been the SynBioKit project; the development of and educational kit with synthetic biology as a main focus for Biotecture. I chose this project due to two reasons: I saw great graphical opportunity and want to improve upon my graphical skills and secondly the subject seemed really interesting as I have never worked in a related area before. Overall I feel confident in saying that the design process went pretty smooth. Starting out with a quite intensive and versatile research phase which lead me to new insights in the area. Synthesizing these insights into the mood and discussion I wanted to get across through my concept. Exploiting and deepening my sketching and form modelling skills in order to arrive at an achievable and valuable concept fitting the design brief on the one hand and getting the previously mentioned mood and discussion across. Followed by a prototyping phase in which I was able to explore an broaden my making skills, and for the first time in my study actual make a working model fully built by myself.Something that has been paid a

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Synthetic Biology The Technoscience and Its Societal - Markus Schmidt, Alenxan-dra Kelle, Agomoni Ganguli-Mitra, Huib de Vriend, 2009.

New Directions: The Ethics of Synthetic Biology and Emerging Technologies - Presidential Commissionfor the Study of Bioethical Issues, 2010

Synthetic Biology: scope, applications and implications, - The Royal Academy of Engineering, 2009

Synthetic biology: promises and challenges - Luis Serrano, 2007http://www.nature.com/msb/journal/v3/n1/full/msb4100202.html

The Promise and Perils of Synthetic Biology - Jonathan B. Tucker and Raymond A. Zilinskas, 2006https://openwetware.org/images/6/65/TuckerZilinskas_-_Promise_and_Perils_of_SB.pdf

Scenarios for the future of synthetic biology - Stephen Aldrich, James Newcomb, and Robert Carlson, 2008http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/ind.2008.039 Philips’ Microbial Homehttp://inhabitat.com/philips-microbial-home-design-features-fascinating-eco-innovations-like-bacteria-powered-lamps/philips-microbial-home5/?extend=1 - visisted 26-03-2012 - visited 01-03-2012 Synthetic Biology Supermarket.http://www.super-cell.org/shopping/health-products/ - visited 01-03-2012

E Chromihttp://www.echromi.com/ - visited 21-03-2012

REFERENCESSystem Synthetics.http://www.mauriziomontalti.com/officina_corpuscoli/system_synthetics_web-site_text.html - visited 21-03-2012

Steve Paikin - What Synthia Means to Me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyeBggjqa7o

BBC Horizon: Playing God.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWiFwqLxy64

George Church, Harvard Medial School - Next Generation Techniques.http://vimeo.com/26905527

Yoko Ono - Cut Piece. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2IgqYiaywU

Vitamins - Out of the Boxhttp://vimeo.com/11784148

NFChttp://www.nfctagwriter.com/ - visited 15-05-2012

Laboratory Notebook Guidelines.http://www.iphandbook.org/handbook/ch08/p02/ - Visited 29-05-2012

Experts:Biotecture - Nadine Bongaerts, Eva Brinkman - Clienthttp://www.biotecture.nl/

dr. Moniek de Liefde-van Beest - Bio Medical Engineering Tu/E

Mike Thompson - Coachhttp://www.miket.co.uk/

In order to be able to kick start in-dividual pieces footage belonging to specific parts of the lab notebook apps had to be created. These apps are cre-ated with MIT App inventor:http://www.appinventor.mit.edu/The apps only have the function to recognize the NFC tag and kick start a movie in landscape mode.Explaination:When Screen1.Initialize doIf the app is started set the screen to landscape mode and execute the fol-lowing steps.ActivityStarter1.ActionThe activity starter allows the app to initiate another process in the phone. The action in this case in opening a video file this is done through: an-droid.intent.action.VIEWActivityStarter1.DataTypeBefore the software will be able to view the file a format must be specified, a video in MP4 in this case: video/mp4.ActivityStarter1.DataUriTo be able to open the mp4 file the lo-cation must be specified: file:///mnt/sdcard/bacterialgrowth.mp4ActivityStarter1.StartActivityAfter all of the variables have been set by the steps before this one, the activ-ity is started.

APPENDIX A

Code to create apps.