Technology has such a profound effect on us and on our environment, yet most of us readily accept and embrace new technologies with little thought for how they will impact on our lives and alter our behaviour.
For my project 'BrainBit', I focussed on the controversial influence technology has had is in the realm of healthcare. Advances in medical devices have been life-changing and life-saving, for example MRI scanners, defibrillators, pacemakers to name but a few. However, advancements in field of remote monitoring and tracking of patients is something that doesn't sit comfortably with me.
I began by unpicking my feelings of unease towards these remote and self-monitoring products. Through research and my own personal experiences I discovered some unsettling and disturbing patterns which have made me question whether healthcare is headed in a 'healthy' direction.
This project is not a critique of the NHS or other healthcare bodies, it is a personal 'worst case scenario' forecast based on existing theories and critiques on technology and healthcare as well as personal experience. My work culminates in a design prototype which embodies some of the worst fears I have about the future of mental healthcare.
http://lornaboyle.wix.com/brainbit