“E-Waste: The Unnatural, Natural Resource | A Case Study on Creative Uses of Obsolete Technology” presented by Contreras

Symposium:

• ISEA2022: 27th International Symposium on Electronic Art

• Critical Research, Maker Culture and Art Studios

• E-Waste: The Unnatural, Natural Resource | A Case Study on Creative Uses of Obsolete Technology

• Erik Contreras

Venue(s):

• CCCB: Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

• With many issues surrounding our high-tech products including: 1) planned obsolescence, 2) a linear “cradle-to-grave” life cycle, 3) the accumulation of electronic waste (e-waste), and 4) consumer culture, there is potential in finding practical/creative solutions to reusing/repurposing our obsolete technology. These solutions not only benefit the consumer, but also the communities that are affected by the growing e-waste problem. These issues analyzed through a case study where an artist converts a typewriter into a USB printer using the design principles laid out in this paper, including the use of open-source hardware and software as well as incorporating adaptive design for future updates. While it is unfortunate that our massive accumulation of e-waste has turned this material into an unnatural, natural resource that can be foraged, there is potential for projects (both practical and creative).

Keywords:

• Electronic Waste
• Right to Repair
• Maker Community
• Hacking
• Industrial Design
• New Media

Category:

• Paper
• Short Paper