Nour Boulahcen

Title: BioVerse: a Multidirectional Framework for Human-Plant-Computer Interfaces

Supervision Team: Gareth W. Young, TCD  / David Coyle, UCD / Carol O’Sullivan, TCD

Description: Contemporary technological advancements are significantly impacting the environment. The production and usage of electronic devices are detrimental, depleting resources and harming natural ecosystems. Simultaneously, urban and residential areas often lack greenery, leading to a disconnection from nature, contributing to widespread feelings of despondency, and disrupting the ecological balance. Furthermore, many technological innovations primarily cater to WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) countries, neglecting diverse demographics such as the youth, elderly, and those with alternative cognitive perspectives.
However, there is promise in applying Human-Plant-Computer systems to address these challenges. By seamlessly integrating natural and virtual plants, these systems enable emotional responses and a reconnection with the natural world within a technological context, particularly in education and urban development.
This research aims to understand the intricate interactions between plants, computers, and humans, harnessing botanical knowledge to drive progress in education, environmental sustainability, and urban development while considering ecological and social implications.