3rd Eye
2021, 2023
Credit: Minwook Paeng
Smartphones have become so deeply embedded in our daily lives that navigating the world without them feels nearly impossible. As we increasingly walk with our eyes glued to screens, “The Third Eye” imagines a speculative evolution — one where we grow an additional eye to help us safely navigate our surroundings. This satirical wearable invites reflection on our tech-reliant behaviour and the emergence of a new species: 'Phono Sapiens'.
Evolution1
I collaborated with Minwook during the early development of the 3rd Eye project, helping with electronics prototyping and system design. My role included selecting the core hardware components and coding the first functional version of the device, ensuring it could respond to the wearer’s movement and orientation in real time. This foundational work set the stage for the project’s viral impact and future collaborations, with its evolution into a cultural commentary on our screen-obsessed behaviours.
Nike Waffle One
Following the viral success of Minwook’s 3rd Eye project, he partnered with Nike to further explore the intersection of wearable technology and cultural critique. During the shoot for Nike’s Waffle One campaign, I provided on-set technical support, ensuring the device functioned reliably and could be used for motion-based interaction. My role focused on adapting the hardware and software in real time, enabling the piece to respond intuitively to movement as part of the film’s narrative and visual storytelling.
Upgrades + Exhibition
In 2024, I collaborated with Minwook on the design and execution of an interactive exhibition showcasing the 3rd Eye project in Belgium. Running from March to August at the CID – Grand-Hornu, the exhibition invited visitors to reflect on our growing dependency on smartphones through a speculative, tech-enhanced artefact. My contribution focused on both technical enhancements and experiential design: upgrading the wearable with a Raspberry Pi-based AI camera using YOLO object detection, and shaping the interactive elements of the installation. The final result was an immersive, thought-provoking environment that encouraged visitors to engage critically with their digital habits.
