Mind control

06 : 07 : 2016 Trajectory : RCA Show 2016 : Graduate

London – Trajectory is a speculative interface control that allows users to browse the web using only their face.

  • The project was presented by designer Catherine Ka Hei Suen at the 2016 Royal College of Art (RCA) graduate show
  • It examines how the divide between man and machine might be bridged in the future
Trajectory by Catherine Ka Hei Suen, London
Trajectory by Catherine Ka Hei Suen, London Trajectory by Catherine Ka Hei Suen, London
Trajectory by Catherine Ka Hei Suen, London Trajectory by Catherine Ka Hei Suen, London
Trajectory by Catherine Ka Hei Suen, London
Trajectory by Catherine Ka Hei Suen, London

Touchscreens have changed how consumers interact with digital devices and opened up new possibilities for user interface designers. Virtual and augmented reality systems are having a similarly disruptive effect, but Suen’s project goes one step further to examine a future where people communicate with machines using their facial muscles.

Trajectory is a speculative interface that uses a webcam and facial-recognition software to learn a user’s behaviour. The software maps subconscious actions, such as an eyebrow raise or downward glance, to a particular digital function to enable users to control electronic devices with greater sophistication.

The Big Picture

Computers guided by the human subconscious have the potential to transform the digital landscape. For more, read about fellow RCA graduate Wai-chuen Cheung’s unique search engine Metadrift, which encourages serendipitous discovery.

Discover More Daily Signals
Vaseline turns viral beauty hacks into product line in creator-led innovation shift

Daily Signals

Vaseline turns viral beauty hacks into product line in creator-led innovation shift

Vaseline has transformed viral beauty hacks into a commercial product line, marking a shift towards creator-led innovation in the beauty industry.&...
Beauty : Vaseline : Branding
Foresight Friday: Ellla Murray, strategic creative

Daily Signals

Foresight Friday: Ellla Murray, strategic creative

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, strategic creative Ella M...
Travel : Hospitality : Experiential Travel
Stat: Why Gen Z is embracing Country Living

Daily Signals

Stat: Why Gen Z is embracing Country Living

Country Living, the Hearst-owned media brand, has recorded 57% year-on-year growth in its All Access membership, an annual subscription s...
Media : Magazines : Country Living
The China Playbook: Why young Chinese luxury buyers love Vivienne Westwood

Daily Signals

The China Playbook: Why young Chinese luxury buyers love Vivienne Westwood

The China Playbook is a monthly briefing from Hot Pot China equipping businesses with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of the Asian premi...
Luxury : Fashion : Hotpot
Stück re-imagines the third space for intimacy and connection

Daily Signals

Stück re-imagines the third space for intimacy and connection

Stück, a new third-space venue in Dalston, London, is bringing intimacy, hospitality, co-working and community together under one roof.
Third Spaces : Private Members Club : Community
Stat: Social media drives 1.7bn annual UK high street visits

Daily Signals

Stat: Social media drives 1.7bn annual UK high street visits

American Express’s latest Hype to the High Street study reveals that nearly two-thirds (63%) of UK adults have visited a shop or hospitality venue ...
Retail : Fashion : Statistic
Budapest’s Lilith bar brings tarot-inspired rituals to cocktail culture

Daily Signals

Budapest’s Lilith bar brings tarot-inspired rituals to cocktail culture

The team behind Hotsy Totsy Budapest, recently ranked among the world’s top 500 bars, has opened a second venue in Budapest’s Erzsébetváros district.
Hospitality : Bars : Restaurant
Google DeepMind and A24 put film-makers in charge of AI’s creative future

Daily Signals

Google DeepMind and A24 put film-makers in charge of AI’s creative future

AI research lab Google DeepMind and A24, the independent studio behind films such as Everything Everywhere All at Once and Marty Supreme, have anno...
Technology : Media : AI
Stat: Young adults living at home redefine life stages

Daily Signals

Stat: Young adults living at home redefine life stages

A record 25.2m US adults aged under 35 lived with their parents in 2025, according to research from Realtor.com. One in three now sh...
Lifestages : Statistic
Healf Experience 2026: Wellbeing beyond optimisation

Daily Signals

Healf Experience 2026: Wellbeing beyond optimisation

At London’s 180 Studios from 20–21 June 2026, leading wellness platform Healf brought together influential voices in health, longevity and performa...
Health : Wellness : Fitness
You have 2 free Daily Signals remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN