Terra Coin is a critical design project from the 6th semester Interaction Design. In this small project, we developed a concept of how climate neutrality could be consequently achieved. We designed a radical currency system which we represent with an artifact, an app, and posters.
//PROBLEM
Challenge of the 21st Century
Climate change is the millennium problem we face in the 21st century. In the meantime, after long educational work by scientists, the problem is understood by a large part of society. However, the implementation of society is still far from it. For many people, the consequences caused by their own consumption are unclear, and the effects are too abstract to deduce. Concepts such as more expensive securities or tokens are proposed again and again. However, none of the concepts seem to have established themselves in the consensus. We have taken up this issue and formed a radical concept that consistently carries through these ideas.
//CHALLENGE
The Challenge
Based on the findings of the 'Global Foodprint Network', we have calculated our currency. The Foodprint Network takes various data, such as carbon dioxide emissions, compensating green areas/forest areas, ecological reserves/deficits, etc., into account to calculate the footprint. From this, we have calculated a currency and defined new prices based on the footprint of a product/service. Each person's income is calculated based on the foodprint capacity of the respective country and the number of people living there. Everyone has the same amount of Terra Coins. The rules of capitalism do not apply here.
//PRODUCT
What is Terra Coin?
Terra Coin is a new currency that acts parallel to conventional currencies. This currency limits each person to reduce their consumption until they leave no persistent footprint. The idea is that the economy will also have to adapt its products to the new currency. This means new supply chains, production, and general business strategy. This critical design project proposes a radical thought experiment that would not be adaptable in the real economy. Still, it offers a new view of what we represent in posters, an artifact, and an app.
The Monument
The Monument is an artifact that tracks your Terra Coin usage beyond the app. It shows you how environmentally friendly you are by its glowing color. In this sense, it is also an indicator of your account balance. The Monument, made out of concrete, represents the dominant role this currency will play in everyday life.
//CONTEXT
- 6th Semester
- Critical / Speculative Design
- HfG Schwäbisch Gmünd
- WS2018/19
//SUPERVISOR
- Paul Käppler
- Maik Groß