Circuit-bending and sustainability transitions. Exploring ways of re-thinking and re-using technologies

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between circuit-bending - a form of adjustment of technological artifacts involving the modification of circuits in electronic devices - and sustainability. Sustainability is considered in terms of the wider context of socio-cultural and technological change and a necessary shift in patterns of human behavior related to harnessing creativity and innovation. It is argued that from both educational and environmental perspectives circuit-bending offers examples of re-thinking and re-using processes and products that are typical of human activity and which can be used to support a sustainability transition.