Author Archives: Alison Kidd
The psychology of reducing consumption?
I’ve been challenged this week by an article in Nature Communications. It warns starkly how affluent consumption is the leading factor in environmental and social impact. And the major technological advances we are making are not enough to outweigh its … Continue reading
Shit & capitalism – anything in common?
I first encountered the concept of Faecal Standard Money from two members of the Science Walden Centre based in South Korea. The ramifications of their project have fascinated me ever since in relation to our capitalistic mindset here in the … Continue reading
What does redundant really mean?
It looks like masses of people will become redundant as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown. And our economic systems and government policies have made paid employment the sole means to reliably feed, clothe and house your family. It is … Continue reading
The Covid who came for G&T
OK, so the unexpected ring at the door WAS a surprise but I (being both ‘home’ and ‘alert’) saw it as an opportunity to face the enemy and try to understand her perspective on causing a devestating pandemic. She did … Continue reading
What effect is Covid-19 having on our thinking?
Stuck at home in isolation, I’ve been wondering (as have many others) what impact Covid-19 is having on our thinking about the world we’d like to inhabit beyond the pandemic. In this weird, lonely and suspended state, we long for … Continue reading
Technology trials & tribulations
The Prospectory agenda (assuming we were ever formal enough to have such a thing) suffered a significant set back when Peter was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in December 2017. Having said that, our combined interests in technology and psychology … Continue reading
Enjoying irrationality
“What I like doing best is Nothing.” “How do you do Nothing?,” asked Pooh after he had wondered for a long time. “Well, it’s when people call out at you just as you’re going off to do it, ‘What are … Continue reading
A small rant about project ‘outcomes’
I’ve just completed a project proposal which required a section entitled ‘Outcomes’ ( “The way a thing turns out” according to the OED). Grant Applications often require this too along with a description of “Outputs” (“The amount of something produced … Continue reading
What’s £10 worth?
My artist colleagues and I are on Day 5 of our short residency in Newport Market – learning surprising things every week about exchange and value and the weird and distorting nature of money. The last 2 visits we’ve been … Continue reading
