Queered Tech and Speculative Design

What does it mean to `queer' something? Expanding this term's meaning beyond gender and sexuality, `to queer' is to question, challenge, subvert, and reimagine social norms and structures of power. In this course, we build from queer theory to consider invisible assumptions and biases in everyday objects, then design technologies that propose new ways of being. For example: What would a clock look like if it were designed for a world without capitalist notions of productivity? Students will create three electronic artworks using Arduino micro-controllers, sensors, light, motors, and sound. Tutorials will provide fundamental instruction in electronics and programming. This is an introductory art course with no prerequisites.