Archives in DNA: Exploring implications of an emerging bio-digital technology through design fiction
Raphael Kim, Larissa Pschetz, Conor Linehan, Changhee Lee, Stefan Poslad · Edinburgh Research Explorer (University of Edinburgh) · 2021
Continuing developments in DNA-based digital data storage sys-tems promise us a sustainable, techno-utopian future; proposition-ing bio-digital solutions addressing the ever-increasing global dataproduction, and inadequacies of conventional storage infrastructureto meet the demand. Distinct attributes of DNA make it an attractivearchival medium. With its ability to retain high density of digitalinformation cheaply, and to do so over multi-lifespans, DNA-basedstorage systems are seen as able to radically shape how we archiveand use data, across wide-ranging applications. However, while thestakeholders continue to refine and race towards commercializationof the emerging technology, its sociocultural and ethical implica-tions remain unexplored, limiting opportunities to generate insightson how such systems could be better designed and experienced.This workshop begins to explore what our DNA-mediated archivalfutures may hold. We learn about the fundamental principles gov-erning the new technology and create stories about its pervasion inour lives, mediated through design fiction and structured discourse.