Death is something that is a natural yet often avoided part of our lives. As a socially engaged designer, I try not to avoid topics that are sensitive or difficult to discuss. Conversations about death are important but sometimes we simply don't have the words to express what we are feeling. astor approaches this heavy topic in a more human way.
astor is a device that helps you record your ethical will (a record of your personal values and beliefs) and allows you to pass memories, stories and advice down to your loved ones and generations to come. By giving you prompts to record, it encourages users to reflect, give a little thought and put a few words to our lives and our deaths.
astor helps people get used to talking about death. While sharing these conversations with friends and family we can question and challenge cultural attitudes surrounding death.
astor - from the Irish term of endearment, a stór - being used to reflect and record your ethical will.
astor in the home.
Using astor to record a message together.
Connecting the astor device and app.
Listening to the prompt astor gives.
Pressing record on your astor to capture your answer to the prompt.
Capturing your stories for your loved ones by speaking into astor.
The astor app and device connect and store the recordings you make. The app also allows your loved ones to browse and select a recording to listen to.
Listening to a loved ones recording with astor.