Redesigning Computing for Openness—the Ethics of Consuming Devices
Author: Brian Sutherland, University of Toronto Introduction Why does the logic of computing involve repeated purchase and consumption of “molded plastic epics” (Gabrys, 2011)? Thinking back on calculation devices and the ethical problem of repeated consumption, a simple solar calculator stands out for its durability. The reason may be sustainability design: early calculators, like more recent Citizen Eco-Drive watches utilize a solar energy harvesting strategy that doesn’t use batteries, consequently they are very low maintenance, long lasting, and tend to not wear out. As there are very few solar powered electronics devices in the market that reflect emerging green narratives of degrowth, reuse and upcycling, this exhibit discusses the history of these rare devices and reinterprets their energy experience design strategies toward modern consumer electronics, demonstrating new prototype devices that feature broad affordability, openness and more ethical consumption. Questionable ethics? Casio rolls back sustainability in a calculator design. The newer, […]
