record

Thesis Info

LABS ID
00841
Thesis Title
Bridging the Digital Divide
Author
N. Leily Khatibi
2nd Author
3rd Author
Degree
MFA
Year
2020
Number of Pages
138
University
San Jose State University
Thesis Supervisor
Andrew Blanton
Supervisor e-mail
andrew.blanton AT sjsu.edu
Other Supervisor(s)
G. Craig Hobbs, Rhonda Holberton
Language(s) of Thesis
English
Department / Discipline
Digital Media Art
Languages Familiar to Author
English, Farsi
URL where full thesis can be found
leilykhatibi.com/LEILYKHATIBI_THESISFINALDRAFT_compressed.pdf
Keywords
Art, Technology, Design, Augmented Reality, Storytelling
Abstract: 200-500 words
Reflecting on the history of my own life and growing up with a digital divide, I looked into previous works where I addressed the algorithmic bias. These preliminary experiments lead to my current work focusing on a bio-digital divide and the anthropocentric bias. My multimedia thesis project, titled Interconnecting with the Wood Wide Web, questions how humans can better integrate technology with biological systems to form a symbiotic relationship with the environment. This thesis proposes an exploration of using Augmented Reality to tackle global issues such as the digital divide and ecological crisis. I utilize notions of Design Fiction and Moist Media to form a theoretical framework for bridging three constructed areas of the digital divide. My research-based approach emphasizes the geopolitical and social inequity division, the hybrid spaces in between the digital/virtual and physical/real worlds, and the disconnection of virtual and vegetal domains. This future-facing and speculative series of works, which constitutes two interactive exhibitions and multiple workshops, provides a platform for participants to collectively tell stories and envision a sustainable future by merging the technosphere and the biosphere. Further, I plan to contribute to the advancing field of Extended Reality, as a lens to restore our bond with nature.