The second text in a series of essays around some of the themes being addressed during the international expert meeting The Future of the Lab organised by BALTAN in Eindhoven, is by psycho-designer Eyal Fried. We met Eyal during Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven where he was participating in the live exhibition project Take on me (take me on) at the Van Abbemuseum, curated by Freek Lomme and Hadas Zemer.

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By Eyal Fried, Psycho-Designer

“The inability of human beings to control themselves in the presence of machines is shameful. But what can we do if the flawless functioning of electricity arouses us more than the disorderly mad rush of active people?” [Dziga Vertov]

I begin with a brief (cautionary) Tale

A few weeks ago I discussed my recent project, a venture integrating methodologies from design and neuroscience, to a colleague of mine, the head of a VR research lab in a renowned academic institute. Towards the end of our conversation he said: “I think that your project is awesome. Really. Extremely interesting and profound. I wish I could still be doing these sorts of things, but unfortunately the university wants me to do serious research now…” (more…)