We will search for new translations about the digitalization of our data. How do we see our personal imprint and what will change in the future? The aim is to look for new concepts on how to visualize the information that can be traced about us and envision new languages, codes and ordering systems.

R.02 (design room), building H

Together with the participants of the workshop, we will undertake a formal, three-dimensional exercise in stackability. An exercise inspired by the tasks given to students at the HfG Ulm, with the aim to think not only of isolated forms but to also train three-dimensional thinking.

1.14, building E

Digital interfaces consist of metaphorical, referenced, or imagined ‘objects’ that help us navigate and complete tasks on our computers or smartphones. Some of these objects are borrowed from our material world, but others are merely concepts; they are sensation-less, and their existence is purely pixel. What happens when these objects leave their comfortable digital space and enter our material world? What is its size, what is it made of, and how do we interact with it? Does it still retain its original function, and does it have any feedback? During the workshop, we will address these questions through making three-dimensional mockups of these now-physical objects.

2.05, building H

I propose that the increase in expression of moral outrage we can see on social media can be explained by three separate but complimentary mechanisms. In this (mostly theoretical) workshop we will explore each one them. First, we will recreate a game-theoretical experiment about costly signalling and discuss its ramifications. Next, we will look at excerpts from different cable news shows and discover the characteristics of Outrage as a genre. Finally, we will discuss an online outrage story and see how social media has changed the way we express ourselves.

3.13, building H

Linguistic simplification is on the rise, and works for political discourses, ideological propaganda, hasty conclusions, and communication via mass media. How do we describe our world(s) afresh?
In this workshop we will re-visit socio-political terms whose substance has degenerated into hollow notions. Through collective thinking, active listening and inquisitive exchange we want to look well beyond the typical notions of common parlance! Typographic tools will facilitate and stimulate this exploratory, unexpected and playful dialogue. No experience needed, just curious mindedness!

R02 (design room), building H

The Islamic State (IS) has the most sophisticated jihadi imagery ever yet. This begs the question, «what affect techniques (intended impact) does the IS use in its photographs of self-representation, to communicate with its young adult audience, and to mobilize them?» In this workshop, you will try to find answers while comparing pre-selected IS self-representing photos (no graphic violence) to popular visual culture as well as historical imagery and iconic photographs. Different input from different design disciplines is highly encouraged.

Le Cube (coursive), building H

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used as a tool for psychological studies as it allows to create simulated worlds under controlled conditions. But how are these virtual worlds designed? And how much do the results of the studies depend on design decisions? In this workshop, we’ll look at how VR is used in research today. We will have a chance to look at existing virtual worlds and analyse how their look, materiality and other design decisions influence the level of immersion and the emotions provoked. Finally, we will critically evaluate the studies that future technologies in VR enable.

EL-GA (Georges Addor), building E

The phenomenon of the increasing desire for safety and security in society fascinates me. In my opinion, the fast growth of the markets for products and services to make people feel safer, is constructed by the rise of populism, the influence of media and economic turbulences. My workshop provides a fascinating overview on the different dimensions of security and the dominating strategies to drive future security concepts. Together with you I want to speculate about the future of security and design our visions towards Security 2050: What products are we going to use? What stories are we going to tell?

2.14, building H

In the «Design meets Science» workshop, participants will first gain insights into the project «White Wood» a collaboration between Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, ETH Zurich and Empa Dübendorf. The workshop is based upon five exercises/scenarios focusing five different roles that designers might assume in a collaboration with scientists. The workshop’s aim is to step into the different roles and work out an independent solution for the given scenario. In order to do so, rapid prototypes will be created, tinkered with, sketched out, discussed together and evaluated during a final presentation.

Le Cube, building H

What is your vision of future car interiors? How would you like to interact with autonomous cars and artificial intelligence? What do you think of materialized interfaces that connect the digital with the tactile world? After discussing these questions we will classify existing material samples regarding their poetic and emotional yet functional potential. Then we will develop scenarios for activities in the autonomous car and work hands-on to create our 1:1 future car interior and visualize our ideas and visions of poetic materials using paper and cardboard.

IRAD meeting room, building H

Wicked Fabrics are handcrafted objects out of textile and electronical components. When moved or touched they can sense and react in their own special way and therefore seem to have their own characters depending on their visual appearance and functionality. Together we will explore this exciting media combination and experiment with it in a humorous way. You will sew and solder and create your tender object out of fabric, conductive materials and electronic components.

R.02 (design room), building H

How do sexual objects turn into shape? The vibratory object was created as a medical tool to treat hysteria at the end of the nineteenth century. Due to a sexual and subversive use of it, the purpose of the device switched from medical tool to sex toy along the history. According to the American psychologist J. J. Gibson, an object is whatever one can make of it. Following this idea, we will redesign objects around us and transform them into self-sexual pleasure devices. Design objects, photograph them, draw them, use them and misuse them.

1.20, building H