Announcing FloraOS - An Organic Computing Platform

Is it April Fools' Day or Is it the Future? Biophilic Computing is already growing.

Spring time is here! The human connection to nature, termed biophilia, is increasingly influencing design philosophies. This trend extends to the digital realm, giving rise to biophilic computing – the practice of integrating elements of nature into the design of technology to enhance user experience and well-being.

How long will it be before we have an organic computing system, a real FloraOS? Technically we already have one. Mathematicians and Botanists have long studied the patterns of plant life and ecosystems. Seeds are just little bundles of code, is it too far fetched to think that one day in the future instead of hitting a power button that you insert a seed or water your plant to turn it on?

Biophilic computing recognizes that despite our immersion in technology, we retain an innate desire for connection with the natural world. We have fell in love with being "eco-friendly", sustainability, composting, crunchy parents, and plant based lifestyles. In the built environment, efforts are being made to incorporate biophilic design into architecture through biomimicry.

We are processing data at an unthinkable rate using power that creates countless issues that effect our environment. So when it comes to computing, sustainability is not just a hot topic, how and what we are able to compute is going to depend on it.

Biophilic computing can be integrated into spatial computing in several ways, enhancing the immersive experience and promoting a deeper connection with nature.

Here's how biophilic principles are being applied in computing:

• Natural Environments in Virtual Spaces: Spatial computing can simulate natural environments, allowing users to explore and interact with digital representations of forests, oceans, mountains, and other natural landscapes. By incorporating biophilic design principles such as organic layouts, natural lighting, and immersive soundscapes, virtual environments can feel more lifelike and engaging, fostering a sense of presence and connection with nature.

• Natural User Interfaces (NUIs): NUIs mimic the intuitive interactions we have in the physical world. Think touchscreens replicating the feel of smooth rocks or gesture controls mirroring natural movements. This will be a helpful option for people with sensory processing issues. Through gestures, voice commands, or haptic feedback, users can interact with digital content in a manner that resembles interactions with natural objects. For example, users could manipulate virtual objects as if they were planting seeds or watering plants.
• Bio-Sonification: Devices that allow you to listen to electrical signals generated by plants are already here. I remember seeing the bio sonification at SIGGRAPH several years ago, by academic researchers and consumer devices are already on the market like PlantWave.
• Organic Layouts and Forms: Interfaces with organic shapes and layouts mimic natural elements like leaves or flowing water. These can feel more calming and intuitive compared to rigid, geometric structures. Would you purchase headphones or VR headsets made of repurposed organic materials with leaves, vegan leather, bamboo or wood?

• Biomimicry in Functionality: Biomimicry involves learning from nature to solve problems. Algorithms inspired by flocking birds or self-organizing ecosystems can optimize data processing or network behavior. To be fair, biophilia in computing can trace it's roots to the trees and branches that are the hallmarks of math and computer science. Who will create the next set of data structures and algorithms based on plant behavior and patterns? The mathematical idea of the a "trie" that forms the basis of search patterns in machine learning and data science date back to 1912.

• Natural Light and Soundscapes: Integrating dynamic lighting that adjusts to the time of day or incorporating calming nature sounds like babbling brooks or rustling leaves can reduce eye strain and create a more serene user experience. Biophilic design can be seen everywhere from corporate offices to schools, ask any plant parent and they will be happy to show your their variety of plant kids. Wouldn't it be nice if your plants set the lighting themselves?

• Biofeedback and Mindfulness Integration: Biofeedback sensors that monitor heart rate and stress levels can be used to adapt interfaces or trigger calming exercises, promoting user well-being.

The benefits of biophilic computing are multifaceted:

• Enhanced User Experience through biophilic ux: Natural elements can make interfaces more intuitive and aesthetically pleasing, leading to a more enjoyable interaction.
• Reduced Stress and Improved Focus: Studies suggest exposure to nature reduces stress and improves focus. Biophilic design can translate these benefits to the digital world. Look up your local park or google to find a Forest Bathing session. Urban planners already use energy generated from stairs, imagine computing being a matter of how many seeds you've planted.
• Increased Productivity: A calmer and more focused user is likely to be more productive when interacting with technology. The benefit of gaming has been proven to counteract stress. Biophilic gaming anyone? You aren't the only one, there is already a movement of gamers interested in eco sustainability.
• Environmental Awareness: Biophilic computing can subtly nudge users towards environmentally conscious behavior by fostering a connection with nature. Do you love the way your trees look in your favorite movies and tv shows. While they are not considered biophilic designers tools, I think environmental artists who use AI and procedural tools like SpeedTree should be considered the next wave of futuristic designers. Their skills will be in high demand across a variety of industries beyond film and television.
• Biophilic Spatial Computing: . What happens when your office is inside of a tree, all of the surfaces respond to your touch? Placing two different species of plants together results in a new type of plant algorithm?
• Environmental Advocacy: Spatial computing platforms can be utilized to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable behaviors. Through immersive storytelling, interactive experiences, and educational simulations, users can gain insights into ecosystems, climate change, and conservation efforts, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and motivating environmentally conscious actions

Biophilic computing is still in its nascent stages, but its potential is blooming. As technology continues to permeate our lives, biophilic computing offers a way to bridge the gap between the digital and natural worlds. By incorporating elements of nature into design, we can create technology that is not only functional but also compliments our inherent connection to the environment.

Ok so maybe we don't have a FloraOS yet. It's coming eventually, maybe not on April 1st 2024 but let's see how this ages in a few years April 1st 2034, and maybe in the future, the real joke is that we ever thought we wouldn't need it in the first place. If you'd like to connect back to the environment in the mean time. Plant a tree during National Arbor Day on April 26th, 2024. The seeds you plant today just might be the one that grows the computer of tomorrow.

Additional Reading:

Biophilia Design

How Biophilia, Biomimicry, and Bioclimatic Strategies Will Transform the Future of Design

Shape-finding in Biophilic Architecture

Plant Audio

Computing for Sustainability

Cyborg Botany

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