RCA Biohacking Workshop (2013)

As news broke of King Richard III’s skeletal discovery beneath a Leicester car park, we biohackers gathered above a Hoxton car park in London to prepare for a genetic testing of a different kind.

This marked the beginning of our very first public biohacking workshop, aimed simply at opening people’s eyes (and mouths) to DIY biology and introducing them to the basics of molecular biology and genetic testing in a hands-on, accessible way.

Our participants were MA Design Interactions students from my former department at the Royal College of Art. They arrived in groups of five and six, eager to uncover the intrigue of DIY biology and explore how its concepts could be communicated through the language of design.

Over the course of three hours, each group was guided by Will, Tom, Simon, Lui, and myself in what turned out to be a thought-provoking and engaging session.

The workshop began with an introductory talk from Simon, covering the fundamentals of DNA manipulation techniques practiced at the Hackspace, such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), a process involving specific chemicals and a programmed heater that allows for the replication of DNA segments.

This was followed by an explanation of Gel Electrophoresis, a technique that enables DNA visualization and is also practiced in the Hackspace.

The results of our DNA tests can be found below, and in this link that explains which types of DNA were tested and shown as visible DNA band

Next, we moved to audience participation. Students collected cheek cells by scraping them gently into test tubes.

The DNA extracted from these cells was then amplified using PCR and Gel Electrophoresis to identify genes that determine blood type. Throughout, we demonstrated the correct techniques for handling pipettes, centrifuges, and PCR and gel electrophoresis machines.

The session fittingly concluded with a “dessert” activity, involving M&S strawberries—not for consumption, but for DNA extraction. Using household detergents and rubbing alcohol, students extracted visible strands of DNA from the strawberries, producing cloudy threads that were visible to the naked eye.

This symbolic exercise illustrated the workshop’s intention: to demystify biology, making it tangible and accessible to non-biologists.

We hope this workshop inspired participants to embark on their own biohacking journeys, exploring biology in new and creative ways.

For design students, the RCA biohacking workshop offers more than just a glimpse into the world of molecular biology; it provides a new toolkit for thinking about materials, systems, and their potential transformation.

Engaging with DIY biology encourages students to explore the intersection of design, science, and ethics, where they can question and redefine their role as designers in a world increasingly influenced by biotechnology.

By learning the basics of genetic testing and biohacking, they gain a foundational understanding of how biological processes can be integrated into their creative practices, pushing design education to embrace a more interdisciplinary, hands-on approach.

This not only expands their skill set but also enriches their ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to broader audiences, opening up possibilities for more sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design solutions.

If you're interested in a personalized teaching session or one-on-one mentoring in biodesign, reach out to us at [email protected] and start your journey with expert guidance.