CerebralWire
A speculative design project exploring the intersection of technology, neuroscience, and ethics through narrative-driven prototypes.
Research
Ethics
Narrative
Prototyping
Context
CerebralWire is a speculative technology designed to interact with the brain’s mesolimbic pathway, AKA the “Pleasure and Reward System”, to address personal issues of low attention span, over-consumption of media and technology, low interpersonal connection, rising addiction rates, and more, enacting change on a societal level. Targeting the neurochemical mechanisms that control reward and motivation, this technology aims to help build healthier habits and increase overall well-being. It opens avenues for considering broad societal challenges, like fighting digital addiction and improving mental health support systems.
CerebralWire is a speculative technology designed to interact with the brain’s mesolimbic pathway, AKA the “Pleasure and Reward System”, to address personal issues of low attention span, over-consumption of media and technology, low interpersonal connection, rising addiction rates, and more, enacting change on a societal level. Targeting the neurochemical mechanisms that control reward and motivation, this technology aims to help build healthier habits and increase overall well-being. It opens avenues for considering broad societal challenges, like fighting digital addiction and improving mental health support systems.
Concept Developer, Researcher, Designer
January - March 2024
Concept Developer, Researcher, Designer
January - March 2024
Multi-Piece Brain Implant System
A Cognitive Approach to Societal Issues of Attention, Consumption, Connection, Addiction, and More
To understand the placement of the brain implant system, we need to highlight some of the key areas along the mesolimbic system. The implant system interacts with the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which produces the neurotransmitter dopamine and sends it to the amygdala (emotional behaviors), the nucleus accumbens (motor control), the prefrontal cortex (planning, attention, and focus), and the hippocampus (memory formation).
To understand the placement of the brain implant system, we need to highlight some of the key areas along the mesolimbic system. The implant system interacts with the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which produces the neurotransmitter dopamine and sends it to the amygdala (emotional behaviors), the nucleus accumbens (motor control), the prefrontal cortex (planning, attention, and focus), and the hippocampus (memory formation).
Multi-Piece Brain Implant System
A Cognitive Approach to Societal Issues of Attention, Consumption, Connection, Addiction, and More
To understand the placement of the brain implant system, we need to highlight some of the key areas along the mesolimbic system. The implant system interacts with the ventral tegmental area (VTA), which produces the neurotransmitter dopamine and sends it to the amygdala (emotional behaviors), the nucleus accumbens (motor control), the prefrontal cortex (planning, attention, and focus), and the hippocampus (memory formation).
The Bottom Line
Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter which affects pleasure, learning, motivation, mood, and many other critical functions in the body. Because dopamine is so powerful, it can have extreme effects on our desire to perform an action.
We can code brain implants to stimulate the production and release of dopamine throughout the mesolimbic pathway when a recognized “good” habit is performed, thus reinforcing the act.
The Bottom Line
Dopamine is the primary neurotransmitter which affects pleasure, learning, motivation, mood, and many other critical functions in the body. Because dopamine is so powerful, it can have extreme effects on our desire to perform an action.
We can code brain implants to stimulate the production and release of dopamine throughout the mesolimbic pathway when a recognized “good” habit is performed, thus reinforcing the act.
Over time, the device should auto-calibrate to only stimulate dopamine when the person focuses for a longer period. The hippocampus is associated with the memory of these positive feelings— something called neuroplasticity, which is essentially the brain creating new neural connections that make us more intelligent or more capable of doing something.
Over time, the device should auto-calibrate to only stimulate dopamine when the person focuses for a longer period. The hippocampus is associated with the memory of these positive feelings— something called neuroplasticity, which is essentially the brain creating new neural connections that make us more intelligent or more capable of doing something.
Over time, the device should auto-calibrate to only stimulate dopamine when the person focuses for a longer period. The hippocampus is associated with the memory of these positive feelings— something called neuroplasticity, which is essentially the brain creating new neural connections that make us more intelligent or more capable of doing something.
Long-Term Potentiation
Neuromodulation
Cognitive Load
Glutamate
Mesocortical Pathway
Mesocortical Pathway
Serotonin
Synaptic Pruning
Synaptic Pruning
Amygdala
Acetylcholine
Define: Action Potential
A rapid change in the electrical potential across a neuron's membrane, allowing for the transmission of signals within the nervous system.
Long-Term Potentiation
Neuromodulation
Cognitive Load
Glutamate
Mesocortical Pathway
Serotonin
Synaptic Pruning
Amygdala
Acetylcholine
So… What might this mean for individuals seeking behavior/lifestyle change?
So… What might this mean for individuals seeking behavior/lifestyle change?
The potential benefits of this cutting-edge technology may already be obvious. Let’s introduce some possible personas & their stakeholders.
Addressing Ethics + Opposing Issues
A central theme of this Informatics 200 class was designing for positive impact. For any technology design—especially one that deliberately influences brain chemistry and shapes lifelong outcomes—it is crucial to thoroughly examine the associated ethical and moral implications. This project embodies the balance between innovation and accountability, fostering a thoughtful approach to both potential benefits and risks.
Addressing Ethics + Opposing Issues
Addressing Ethics + Opposing Issues
A central theme of this Informatics 200 class was designing for positive impact. For any technology design—especially one that deliberately influences brain chemistry and shapes lifelong outcomes—it is crucial to thoroughly examine the associated ethical and moral implications. This project embodies the balance between innovation and accountability, fostering a thoughtful approach to both potential benefits and risks.
How will individuals be informed about the risks, benefits, and potential long-term consequences of having such brain implants? Will they be able to fully understand and consent to the potential alterations in their behavior, emotions, and cognition?
Does the use of brain implants to manipulate dopamine release infringe upon an individual's autonomy and free will? Could it lead to a situation where external forces have significant control over an individual's decision-making processes?
What are the potential long-term effects of altering dopamine release patterns in the brain? Are there potential unintended consequences or risks associated with long-term use of such implants, especially considering the complexity and interconnectedness of brain functions?
Could this technology be misused to manipulate individuals or coerce them into specific behaviors? For example, could it be used to compel individuals to perform actions against their will or values?
What measures will be in place to ensure the security of the implants against hacking or unauthorized access, especially considering the potential for real-time monitoring and manipulation of brain functions?
What measures will be in place to ensure the security of the implants against hacking or unauthorized access, especially considering the potential for real-time monitoring and manipulation of brain functions?
How will individuals be informed about the risks, benefits, and potential long-term consequences of having such brain implants? Will they be able to fully understand and consent to the potential alterations in their behavior, emotions, and cognition?
Does the use of brain implants to manipulate dopamine release infringe upon an individual's autonomy and free will? Could it lead to a situation where external forces have significant control over an individual's decision-making processes?
What are the potential long-term effects of altering dopamine release patterns in the brain? Are there potential unintended consequences or risks associated with long-term use of such implants, especially considering the complexity and interconnectedness of brain functions?
Could this technology be misused to manipulate individuals or coerce them into specific behaviors? For example, could it be used to compel individuals to perform actions against their will or values?
What measures will be in place to ensure the security of the implants against hacking or unauthorized access, especially considering the potential for real-time monitoring and manipulation of brain functions?
What measures will be in place to ensure the security of the implants against hacking or unauthorized access, especially considering the potential for real-time monitoring and manipulation of brain functions?
