Faculty of Design

Industrial Design

Connie Huang

Re

Decentralized communication application designed to operate when conventional internet infrastructure becomes unavailable, blocked, or untrustworthy as a result of deliberate state action. Government-imposed internet shutdowns have become a recurring instrument of state control. They are deliberately deployed during politically sensitive moments, such as elections, protests, and conflicts, to sever the communication infrastructure that communities depend on for safety, coordination, civic participation, and psychological stability. Re is a decentralized communication application designed to operate when conventional internet infrastructure becomes unavailable, blocked, or untrustworthy as a result of deliberate state action. It enables communities to reconnect through a local Bluetooth mesh network. Allowing device-to-device communication without reliance on cellular networks, internet service providers, or centralized servers. The goal of Re is to provide a reliable and secure communication system that sustains information exchange and coordination under conditions of disruption. Together, Re and its users form a localized support network that remains present and functional when it is most needed.

“Re is an urgent act of resistance against internet shutdowns imposed by governments.”