APPLIED RESEARCH
Critical Design Practice

Time

Normal time is simple, singular, linear. It is a continuous sequence (and experience) of events that occurs in a succession from the past, through the present, into the future.

Queer Time

Queer experiences are not normal. Queer time (or temporality), is complex, nonlinear, and plural. It is flexible, unruly, and feels different – even strange. It moves in all directions and dimensions. It has to.

Queer Time Machines

Queer time machines provide agency by enabling travelers to locate, intervene, make changes, (re)create episodic memories (memories based on real lived experiences), imagine, and activate alternate realities. Queer time travel leads to closure, relief, and/or reset. These prototypes are the outcomes of an extensive research process published in Queering Futures with Data-Driven Speculation (2023).

Prototype 01: Queering Futures Cone Matrix

The Queering Futures Cone Matrix is used to access futures in all directions. This time machine is made real through a diagram (a sigil of sorts), scientifical thinking, and hyperfocus. A sigil is a symbol used in magic. Scientifical thinking is a way of processing and believing (Björk, 1988, as presented in G4jima, 2007). Hyperfocus is a state of heightened attention and concentration.

The Queering Futures Cone Matrix is based on the classic futures cone design that originated in the 20th century. An early futures cone is found in a 1993 book, “Alternative World Scenarios for a New Order of Nations,” authored by Charles Taylor, PhD, a strategic futurist at the U.S. Army War College. The Taylor cone was referred to as “The Cone of Plausibility” (Taylor, 1993) and is one of three cones featured in the publication. The Taylor futures cones are all vertical. There is some indication of the past in this series of cones. Another early futures cone is found in a 1993 report, “An Overview of the Health Futures Field for the WHO Health Futures Consultation,” by C. Bezold and T. Hancock. The Bezold and Hancock cone is labeled “Types of Futures.” The Bezold and Hancock futures cone is horizontal, and plots possible, plausible, probable, and preferable futures, along with wildcards. There is no indication of the past in this cone.

The Queering Futures Cone Matrix transforms the classic futures cone design. Queer time, and Queer time travel, is more complex than up, down, left, right. Setting out to redesign the futures cone to meet the needs of Queer time travel, I experimented with several design permutations. These included a stacked cone set, an interlocking cone pattern, and a bi-directional cone set. Ultimately, I arrived at a radial or sunburst system of cones. The final Queering Futures Cone Matrix design represents a full range of possible futures moving in all directions, while providing an open dynamic visual trigger that centers the time traveler in transformative geometry.

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Prototype 02: U+1F700 Queering Futures Time Capsules

The U+1F700 Queering Futures Time Capsules are used to change episodic memories, or memories that draw on direct lived experience. This time machine is made real through chemistry, ritual self-care, bodymind (re)connection, intentional altered state, and mental time travel (MTT).

The U+1F700 Queering Futures Time Capsules take a psychoactive approach to reaching an altered state. U+1F700 utilizes a biotechnology solution informed by Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (DREADDs) research. U+1F700 produces safe and effective highly individualized neurotransmitter transformation and presence modulation. In the altered state, predetermined (targeted) interventions are implemented through a number of controlled strategies that may include the sharing of information, the delivery of care or reassurance, or the initialization of alternative decisions. Interventions change episodic memory. The U+1F700 Queering Futures Time Capsules enable a traveler to identify a memory, enter an altered state, and intervene. The U+1F700 Queering Futures Time Capsules completely and permanently alter memory, presence, and reality.

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Prototype 03: LIFENOTLIVED.AI

LIFENOTLIVED.AI is used to make profound changes to internal and external existence. This time machine is made real through genetic engineering and ambient computing technologies. Time travel with LIFENOTLIVED.AI involves several opt-in modification services. Currently services include the “Bio Portrait Mod” service for internal changes (genetic therapies) and the “Data Landscape Mod” (digital forensics services) service for external changes. As needs emerge and use-cases are identified, innovative LIFENOTLIVED.AI services will expand.

The Bio Portrait Mod service utilizes induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSCs) engineering and synthetic DNA sequences along with genetic therapies to transform an individual's DNA, influence the behavior of an individual’s germline cells (offspring), and enable controlled “blood bonding” or the infusion of genetic material associated with a chosen family. The LIFENOTLIVED.AI Portrait Mod completely alters heritage and ancestry in all directions.

The Data Landscape Mod service utilizes digital forensics and deep learning to identify and transform an individual's data trail. Forensics results are comprehensive, involving all areas of life including but not limited to all manner of recorded communication and interaction, location and transportation logs, financial details, government records, education histories, medical conditions and treatments, physical activity and related biometrics, social media content, consumer transactions and entertainment choices. Deep learning results are used to inform data corrections, data redactions, or the generation of new material (image, audio, media). At the end of the digital forensics and deep learning phases, the data trail is recuperated and reborn. The LIFENOTLIVED.AI Landscape Mod completely and permanently alters information in all locations.