The COPCube – A campaign to make COP conferences virtual
My product is the COPCube, a campaign object to initiate a conversation with policymakers attending the COP28 conference in Dubai to sign off the policies which will make aviation sustainable. Meanwhile it seeks to explore alternatives to private aviation using holoconferencing in order to reduce aviation emissions
Introduction
Private jets contribute over half of aviation emissions and are 5–14 times more polluting than commercial jets. This design intervention seeks to address these limitations by developing a technology-based road map to create a ubiquitous telegraphic telepresence system. This system will address the current frustrations related to video conferencing and create an interoperable standard for future use.
The COP Cube is a campaign object designed to influence policy makers attending COP28 in Dubai, promoting holo-conferencing as an alternative to private aviation.
As the world faces the challenge of climate change, the fight against it needs to be both front end activism and back-office execution. My skills are better used in the back-office execution, while my sponsors will front it.
Greta Thunberg and her campaign challenging world leaders to take immediate action for climate change mitigation was the inspiration for this. Other than both of us being on the autism spectrum, I am no Greta. She is outspoken and fearless and a fantastic orator, while I have a high level of social anxiety and find it difficult to communicate orally. However, I am a hyper focused problem solver. People who know me are always willing to invest in my projects as I find a way to get results. I cannot front a campaign like Greta does. I am good at research and understand technology well enough to do the backend work.
The Technology
The COP Cube seeks to create a ubiquitous telegraphic telepresence system using hardware and software components, including multiple webcams, motion detectors, and holographic projectors.
A low-resolution camera set up maps the user’s video onto an avatar for podcasts, while integrated motion sensors map the user’s posture and movements to the avatar. A holographic projector displays the avatar, which can be viewed using a transparent prism.
Telepresence System
Integrated Motion
Prism displays Avatar
The COPCube Kit
The COP Cube kit includes the prism and a QR code that leads to a demonstration video of the holo-conferencing technology. The kit is designed to generate demand for holo-conferencing and encourage policies that limit private aviation growth.
An open-source software called OBS was used to create the specialized video feed required for the prism projector. This allows the prism projector to be scaled up to larger sizes and use live video.
The campaign object features a globally relatable color palette of black for pollution, green for sustainability, and aviation blue. The tree motif symbolizes conservation, and paper planes as leaves create a sensation of movement.
The design process
The COP CUBE has to generate curiosity and engagement, leading to action plans for leaders who could make a difference.
To ensure that the COP CUBE gets into the hands of decision makers at COP 28, the kit needed to intrigue a sponsor who has observer status at COP the conference.
The initial design process involved finding appropriate graphics and colours, starting with shadow puppetry, but feedback suggested the imagery was too serious and static. The final design included origami elements, creating a sensation of movement.
The giveaway box initially considered paper, but it was too fragile, acrylic was attractive, but using it for a sustainability campaign caused cognitive dissonance. Aluminium being fully recyclable and it’s the material aircrafts are made of made the perfect fit.
The COP CUBE contains a pyramidal prism that can be placed over a smart phone to display a specially formatted video input that can be viewed from all sides. The COP CUBE also features a call to action in the format of a QR code that leads to a demonstration video of the holo-conferencing technology. After viewing the video, the Viewer is taken to the main website for more information and action.
The COP CUBE is a campaign object to present at the conference, with sponsorships from participating observer institutions – a kit designed to generate demand for holo-conferencing technology.
This will encourage the creation of policies that will limit the growth of private aviation. It aims to convince private jet travellers to reduce their air travel or to switch to commercial aviation, thus reducing emissions.
Collaborators
To conclude
I seek to promote alternatives to private aviation by:
• Creating an open-source technology roadmap for ubiquitous holographic telepresence systems.
• Create user demand for these technologies by an accessible demonstration (in simulation) of holographic videoconferencing
• Lobby world leaders and influential businesspersons attending COP28 with a kit that encourages them to demand these technologies and create policies that limit the growth of private aviation.
Private air travel, a few can afford,
Leaving behind emissions in the air,
The damage caused cannot be ignored,
It’s harming the planet we love and care.
The one private percent cause half of all
Rather than simply call, use private flight
By virtual means, pollution can fall
Saving the air through the digital light
connection, exceeding aviation
To make a change and shift our paradigm,
Improving digital interaction
And seek a future that is truly prime.
Rather than zoom through the air to meet teams
Better the relays through digital means