The Messenger
Jae Yeop Kim (Korean, born 1980),
Ting Yuin Chien (Taiwanese, born 1985),
Scott Liao (Taiwanese, born 1983),
and Dustin York (American, born 1981)
Media Design Program (est. 1973)
Art Center College of Design, Pasadena
(USA, est. 1930)
2010
Resin and silver and gold paint
2 x 2 x 1/4" (5 x 5 x 0.5 cm)
The Messenger was created while the
designers were studying the perceived
barriers between faithful and scientific
outlooks, often thought to be at odds
with one another. The Messenger
operates on the assumption that people
pray when in need of help, and it imagines
a system where help could be provided
and faith could create an opportunity
for action. The user holds the device
and prays into it, so that the prayer
is recorded and then sent via satellite
to a database that catalogs it.
Scientific and faith-based organizations
can listen in and try to provide help
where it is needed, such as water
in a drought, or medicine for the
sick. It is important to note that the
Messenger “does not attempt to subvert
or replace any God,” as the designers
explain, but rather “[reinforces] the
idea that when we pray, our community
as well as our deity is listening.”
Category: Life
Tags: Communications / Interactions / Networks
