Transmission 17.2: Eric E.'s Manifestos for a Responsible Web3
Here come insights and inventions from our futures practice! Our clients & partners use them to know what goes on when we put their dreams back into our minds, or what to expect when traveling with us
Our first USA correspondent for The Time Travel Transmissions, Eric E., kicks off the season with three broadcasts about his futures practice. This is broadcast two.
My name is Eric and I am a junior designer and developer living in Chicago. I first heard about the agency this Spring when Joss co-taught one of my classes at university, Columbia College. I realized during that project I have been time traveling for years! These are some of the topics closest to my heart, so expressing how I feel about them right now has been very cathartic. I hope Web3 can develop further as a concept to unify people interested in developing ideal internet futures.
I am humbled to share my thoughts with other thinkers and makers this month. Happy October, and thank you for reading.
Always supportive of expressing that which we care about, and this being a wonderful hodgepodge of futures designers, inventors, and creators listening, the agency is thrilled to share the broadcasts with those holding something dear to say.
We support Eric’s expression, we’d like to encourage other youths to share anytime, and to ask our recipients for their encouragement and support as well.
- The Time Travel Editors
Manifestos for a Responsible Web3
It is my belief that the 2020s are the defining decade for the next generation of the World Wide Web, (or Web3). Millennials and Zoomers share the responsibility of co-creating equitable technologies that democratize virtual spaces, encourage embodied expression, and respect our humanity more than the technologies of yesterday.
Web3 is a buzzword often included in conversations about blockchain, cryptocurrencies, etc. While I see it already having many inflated connotations, I think it possesses hugely latent potential to activate/organize the wave of human-centered designers who share the same mission I stated above. These are some of my thoughts about building a better internet.
Future 2: Accessibility
It’s important to acknowledge the vast range of impairments that might affect an individual’s ability to use the web. Spectrums of abilities and neurodivergence create the need for tools that deliver the same experience in multiple ways.
As designers and developers, we know better than anybody that there are always multiple ways to solve a problem, and even oftentimes multiple ‘best’ solutions. The key here is to lead with understanding and try to do better with each successive project.
Expand on the last sentence above. Opportunity to tell us how you would lead with understanding, with accessibility in mind. 1-2 paragraphs, nothing fancy, nothing with sources, just your advice.
A wonderful example of accessibility done right is the award-winning video game developed by Naughty Dog in 2020 called “The Last of Us Part II”.
Developers started by empathizing with feedback from players who couldn’t finish their earlier titles due to accessibility barriers. With a AAA budget to fund their vision, the studio set out to make one of the most accessible video games ever made. The game ended up offering over 60 accessibility features that assist with vision, hearing, and motor impairments. The reactions from players who benefit from the inclusion of those features speak for themselves. Accessibility matters, and there is always room for improvement.
ABRUPT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
Dear readers, due to unexpected circumstances Eric won't be able to produce his third transmission, which saddens us but: life.
We are left in suspense about the third future yet carry on with things: we'll start our AI inception transmissions one broadcast early!
Welcome next week to start the second autumnal series from The Time Travel Transmissions.