Redesign of the
Doomsday Clock
In this project, I was honored with the unique opportunity to reimagine one of the most powerful and enduring symbols of existential risk, the iconic Doomsday Clock, originally designed by Martyl Langsdorf in 1947. Commissioned by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, we were tasked with redesigning the clock for a new era, considering both practical needs for frequent updates and symbolic resonance. Collaborating closely with my colleague Tom Weis, we blended contemporary design methodologies, digital fabrication, and traditional craftsmanship to ensure the clock remained visually striking and functionally robust.
Leveraging AI visualization tools, large-scale 3D printing, and precise magnetic elements, we created a modular clock face designed for seamless, real-time adjustments. Complemented by a custom-crafted wooden pedestal, the resulting piece combines innovation and tradition, emphasizing the urgency and solemnity of our global circumstances. This redesign, unveiled at 89 seconds to midnight, underscores my commitment to thoughtful, purposeful design that speaks powerfully to critical global issues.
Analog to Digital
The design process began with traditional sketching techniques to quickly visualize initial ideas and concepts. These hand-drawn sketches were then fed into AI-driven visualization tools, enabling rapid exploration and refinement of forms, details, and functional attributes. This iterative process between analog and digital methodologies allowed for a fluid and expansive approach, enhancing creativity while efficiently narrowing down the most effective design solutions. The combination of intuitive hand sketches and AI-supported refinement proved invaluable in achieving a final design that balanced aesthetic sensitivity with practical functionality.
Fabrication: Fusing Advanced Manufacturing with Craftsmanship
Transitioning from concept to tangible form required a synthesis of advanced digital fabrication and traditional craftsmanship. The prototyping phase involved multiple iterations using large-scale 3D printing to create precise, modular components. I experimented extensively with magnet placement, assembly ease, and visual clarity. Alongside these digital methods, traditional woodworking techniques were employed to craft the clock’s pedestal, blending tactile quality with technological precision. This iterative prototyping approach ensured that each design element was carefully refined and harmoniously integrated.
A Culturally
Significant Object
The redesigned Doomsday Clock was unveiled in January 2025 at a globally significant moment: 89 seconds to midnight, highlighting its renewed relevance. The reception was overwhelmingly positive, earning coverage from international media outlets and igniting thoughtful discussions about design’s role in highlighting critical global issues. Reflecting on the project, I find deep satisfaction in successfully merging innovative digital techniques with traditional methods, creating a piece that is not only visually compelling but also profoundly meaningful. The project reinforced my belief in design as a powerful tool for social awareness and engagement.
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