This project centers around speculative design, focusing on a relevant development within or related to the biomedical context of healthcare. The goal of the speculative design is to encourage the public to reflect on/and engage in debate about the intended and unintended consequences of scientific, (bio)technological, and socio-cultural developments for both humans and non-humans within the biomedical context. The design aims to offer new and inspiring perspectives on pressing issues.
For this design, we explored the use of animals in healthcare. Animals are used in many different ways in our society. Some as furry companions, others as test subjects for the medical world, and some as a tasty piece of meat on our dinner plates. It may sound like science fiction, but it’s closer than you think. Animals are already being used in many areas of healthcare. So why couldn’t they also assist with pregnancy? Using pigs as surrogate mothers could solve many of the challenges faced by people struggling with fertility.
This mobile plays a soft lullaby that incorporates gentle pig-like grunting sounds. These sounds are familiar to the baby, as they mimic what it would have heard in the pig’s womb during gestation. This can contribute to a sense of safety and continuity, supporting early bonding.