by lucas.nuss -

Impulse 02 // CoSA A(R)dventure

A(R)dventure – CoSA | CoSA – Center of Science Activities

For my second impusle blog post I decided to visit an exhibition at the CoSa Museum in Graz together with my fellow student Vinzenz. The A(R)dventure 3: Habitat Red 6. This installation combines augmented reality through Microsoft’s HoloLens with physical interactions, creating an experience that was not only fun & engaging, but also made me think about climate change and the future possibilities of AR technology in the field of interaction design.

The Visit

When I arrived, I was greeted by an enthusiastic member of the Project, who explained the concept thoroughly and helped me get started using the HoloLens. The adventure began as I followed H.I.G.G.S., a digital drone guide, through a fascinating time vortex that took me digitally through the lenses and physically by foot to a habitat on another planet in need of maintenance and care.
The first task was to manage the atmosphere control system. What made this interaction particularly interesting was the combination of physical valve controls with digital displays. As I turned the real knobs, I could see the atmospheric parameters changing on virtual graphs floating in front of my eyes. This immediate feedback loop between physical action and digital response created a natural and intuitive experience.

The next task took me to the power management system, where I found myself adjusting solar panels using a physical turning wheel. Through the HoloLens, I could see a window showing the actual panels moving outside the habitat, demonstrating how my actions directly affected the station’s power supply. This mix of tangible control and virtual feedback made adjusting something as small as a solar panel very important and interesting, and made me realise that solar power is very location dependent.
One of the less interactive tasks was plant pollination. Starting in a physical test chamber, I learned about the process on a small scale through an animation, before seeing it applied to a larger virtual plantation visible through digital windows. This move from small scale learning to larger scale implementation helped by first understanding the concept and then seeing it applied and its effects on the displayed plantation biosphere.
After pollination, the water filtration system needed some attention. Using a physical joystick, I operated a virtual crane to service the water purification system. Replacing an old filter with a new one. The amount of work required to have clean water was highlighted by this task, showing the importance of clean water, something we often take for granted on Earth.

Perhaps the most tactile experience was selecting materials for heat shield repairs. I was able to physically touch and examine different materials while receiving digital information about their properties and suitability for the repair job. This combination of sensory feedback and augmented information created a powerful learning experience about materials science.
The final task involved fine-tuning the habitat’s environmental controls using spring-loaded dials. As I adjusted humidity and other parameters, the digital graphs responded in real time and, importantly, these changes, like all other changes, persisted in the virtual environment, creating an immersive feeling that demonstrated the lasting impact of my actions.

Conclusion

The exhibition successfully communicated its underlying message about the Earth’s ecosystem without hitting you on the head, which is a difficult line to walk. By asking visitors to maintain artificial living conditions, it effectively illustrated the complexity of our planet’s natural systems, which we often take for granted. Each challenge in maintaining the habitat served as a reminder of the Earth’s perfectly balanced ecosystem. All in all, I found it a great experience and would advise anyone to try something similar if they have the opportunity.

Reflection

What struck me most about this experience was how it challenged my previous assumptions about calm technology. As someone researching this area for my Master’s thesis, I had initially leaned towards purely analogue solutions and viewed AR and VR as potentially intrusive technologies. However, Habitat Red 6 demonstrated that a thoughtful combination of physical and digital interactions can create experiences that are both engaging and intuitive. The digital layer added depth and dynamics to the physical interactions, while the tangible elements grounded the experience in reality. This hybrid approach retained the benefits of physical feedback, while using digital technology to provide additional context and visualisation that would not be possible with purely analogue interfaces.

This experience significantly influenced my perspective on interaction design. Instead of seeing analogue and digital as opposing approaches, I now see the potential in combining tangible objects with digital layers of information to create interfaces that offer the best of both worlds. This insight will definitely influence the direction of my Master’s research, opening up new possibilities for designing more intuitive and meaningful interactions.

by lara.falkenberg -

IMPULSE #2

Recently, I watched the 2013 documentary Blackfish, directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite, which explores the controversial practice of keeping orcas (commonly known as killer whales) in captivity, particularly within the SeaWorld parks. The film, centered on the story of Tilikum, an orca involved in the deaths of three people, including trainer Dawn Brancheau, sparked deep reflections on the ethics of animal captivity. Moreover, it has significantly impacted my approach to research, pushing me to think critically about animal conservation, public education, and the role of zoos and marine parks.

In this blog post, I will reflect on how Blackfish shaped my understanding of orcas in captivity and how it relates to my broader research on animal welfare and interactive design solutions for raising public awareness.

The Tragic Story of Tilikum
The core of Blackfish revolves around Tilikum, a male orca captured off the coast of Iceland in 1983 and transferred between different marine parks, including SeaWorld Orlando, where he spent most of his life. What the film effectively conveys is not just the tragedy of the fatal incidents involving Tilikum, but the systemic issues surrounding orca captivity. Through interviews with former trainers, scientists, and experts, the film paints a grim picture of how these intelligent, social creatures suffer both physically and mentally when confined in small tanks for entertainment purposes.

Blackfish highlights several key points:

  1. Psychological Impact: Orcas are highly social animals, often living in complex family groups in the wild. The film demonstrates how the isolation and separation from family members can lead to severe psychological distress for orcas in captivity. This stress, Blackfish argues, contributes to the aggressive behaviors observed in Tilikum, behaviors that are rarely, if ever, seen in the wild.
  2. Physical Deterioration: In captivity, orcas are kept in tanks that are a fraction of the size of their natural habitats. This confinement leads to physical issues, such as collapsed dorsal fins, which affect the majority of captive orcas but are rarely seen in wild populations. The film also emphasizes the lower life expectancy of captive orcas, contrasting SeaWorld’s public claims that orcas live just as long in captivity as they do in the wild.
  3. Deceptive Practices: One of the more shocking revelations in Blackfish is how marine parks like SeaWorld have historically provided the public with misleading information about orcas, including exaggerated claims about their well-being in captivity. The documentary exposes the commercial motives behind the captivity industry, especially through the use of captive orcas in breeding programs, including Tilikum, despite his involvement in multiple fatal incidents.

Ethical Concerns and the Role of Zoos
Watching Blackfish stirred a deeper contemplation of the ethical dilemmas surrounding the captivity of large, intelligent animals like orcas. One of the most impactful aspects of the documentary is its ability to humanize the orcas, showing how these magnificent creatures suffer in confinement. The personal stories of former trainers also highlight the moral conflict many employees faced when they realized the harmful impacts of captivity on these animals.

For me, the documentary reinforced the notion that captivity, particularly in environments that prioritize entertainment over education, is inherently problematic. It aligns with my earlier reflections from a zoo visit where I observed the distress and unnatural behavior of other captive animals like primates, lions, and dolphins. The primary takeaway here is that traditional zoos and marine parks are often ill-equipped to provide the complex environments that these animals need to thrive. Instead of truly educating the public about the animals‘ natural behaviors and habitats, these facilities often present a highly edited, commodified version of wildlife that glosses over the harsh realities of captivity.

Inspiration for Further Research
One of the most powerful effects Blackfish had on me is its ability to inspire further learning and action. Orcas have always fascinated me, but this documentary deepened my interest in studying them, particularly in their natural environments. It became clear to me that the only way to truly understand these animals is to observe them where they belong: in the wild. Blackfish reinforced the idea that captivity not only deprives orcas of their freedom but also deprives us, as the public, of the chance to witness their authentic behavior.

This idea directly impacts my master’s research, which focuses on public education and the role of interactive design in raising awareness about animal welfare. The film highlights the need for alternatives to traditional zoos and marine parks—alternatives that don’t rely on confinement but instead use technology to educate the public. Inspired by this, I am now exploring ways to design interactive storytelling experiences that allow people to learn about orcas and other wild animals in a more ethical and impactful way. One possibility is the creation of virtual reality exhibits where visitors can experience orcas’ natural behaviors in their expansive ocean habitats, learning about their social structures, communication methods, and the environmental threats they face, without the ethical implications of captivity.

In addition to VR, interactive installations in public spaces could be another avenue for teaching the public about the lives of these animals. For example, an interactive exhibit could allow users to explore the migration patterns of wild orcas, offering a dynamic way to engage with and learn about their natural environments and conservation needs. The key here is to move away from the traditional zoo model and toward experiences that are both educational and ethically responsible.

Orca Captivity: A Catalyst for Change
Ultimately, Blackfish is more than just a documentary; it is a call to action. It not only exposes the ethical and moral issues inherent in keeping orcas in captivity, but it also challenges the public to rethink their relationship with animals in entertainment settings. For me, the film has provided a significant impulse for my own research, pushing me to explore innovative, technology-driven solutions that prioritize education, conservation, and empathy for wild animals.

As I continue to develop my master’s thesis, I intend to focus more on how we can use interactive design to foster a deeper understanding of animals like orcas in their natural habitats. By creating immersive, educational experiences, we can inspire a new generation to value and protect these animals without contributing to their suffering in captivity.

Further Reading
Blackfish – Wikipedia
Doku „Blackfish“: Warum ein Wal seinen Menschen tötete – WELT
Tierquälerei : TUI streicht Ausflüge zu Delfin- und Orca-Shows – WELT

by lara.falkenberg -

IMPULSE #1

During a recent visit to the Tiergarten Nürnberg, I found myself grappling with a number of conflicting emotions. As a researcher focused on design and public awareness, this experience was especially impactful. Not only did it stir personal reflections on animal welfare, but it also provided significant inspiration for my master’s thesis. This blog post serves as both a reflection of my visit and an analysis of the potential research opportunities it has sparked, particularly concerning animal welfare, zoo alternatives, and interactive design for public education.

The Zoo: Between Nature and Captivity
The Tiergarten Nürnberg, opened in 1912 and relocated to its current site in 1939, covers an expansive 65 hectares, making it one of Europe’s largest zoos. Home to 310 different species and over 6,800 individual animals (as of 2020), it houses many notable attractions, including Germany’s first outdoor dolphin lagoon, a tropical rainforest-themed manatee house, and an aquatic park showcasing polar bears, sea lions, and penguins. With visitor numbers exceeding 1 million annually, it is undeniably a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Despite the beauty of its natural setting, complete with sandstone formations and water bodies, my experience visiting the zoo was far from serene. The animals, especially the primates, seemed distressed, constantly fighting in their enclosures. This created a chaotic atmosphere, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that many of the enclosures, such as those for the tigers, lions, and dolphins, were far too small. The discomfort I felt watching these animals in such confined spaces was palpable. Zoos, at their core, are spaces designed to educate and entertain, but I left the zoo with more questions than answers. The limited educational signage offered little insight into the animals‘ natural behaviors or conservation statuses. The lack of information and the unnatural behavior of the animals stood out to me as problematic aspects that need addressing in zoos today.

Criticisms of Zoo Practices: An Ongoing Debate
The ethical dilemmas surrounding zoos are not new, but they remain controversial. Critics, particularly animal rights organizations like PETA, have long challenged the captivity of wild animals, especially marine mammals like dolphins. The Tiergarten Nürnberg’s dolphin lagoon has faced significant criticism, with opponents arguing that no captive environment can truly simulate the expansive, complex habitats these intelligent creatures are accustomed to in the wild. Critics also raise concerns about the transparency of the zoo’s management, particularly in light of its past proposals to cull animals, such as baboons, to manage overpopulation.

The overarching ethical question is whether zoos, as institutions, have a right to confine wild animals for the sake of public education and entertainment. While zoos like Tiergarten Nürnberg contribute to conservation efforts and research, particularly in the realm of endangered marine mammals, the trade-offs are significant. Can the potential conservation benefits justify the confinement of large, intelligent animals like dolphins and tigers in relatively small enclosures?

This leads to broader questions that are central to my research: How can we, as designers and researchers, address these ethical concerns? Can zoos evolve to focus more on education, empathy, and immersive learning, rather than solely entertainment?

Designing Alternatives: Toward Interactive and Educational Experiences
My visit to the zoo, coupled with these ethical considerations, provided me with valuable insights for my master’s thesis, which focuses on zoo alternatives and the role of design in public education about animal welfare. I am particularly interested in how we can leverage interactive storytelling and exhibit design to create more impactful, educational experiences for the public, while simultaneously promoting conservation and animal welfare.

One idea that emerged from this visit is the potential for interactive installations in place of traditional zoos. Imagine a space where visitors could engage with interactive simulations or augmented reality experiences that allow them to learn about animals in a way that is both immersive and ethical. For example, rather than viewing a distressed dolphin in a small pool, visitors could experience a virtual reality exhibit that simulates the life of an orca in the wild, complete with educational content about the threats these animals face due to captivity, pollution, and climate change.

This approach could be especially impactful when considering highly intelligent species like dolphins or primates. Interactive storytelling could be used to teach visitors about the natural behaviors of these animals, their social structures, and the importance of their conservation. By using technology, we could create an exhibit that not only informs but also elicits empathy, perhaps even encouraging visitors to take action toward protecting these animals in the wild.

The Impact on My Research: A Clear Path Forward
This zoo visit has provided me with a clear impulse for my future research. It has reinforced my desire to explore alternatives to traditional zoo models, focusing on interactive, technology-driven solutions that prioritize animal welfare while still serving educational purposes. The tension between conservation and captivity is at the core of this debate, and I believe that immersive, interactive experiences could offer a way to bridge this gap.

Additionally, the lack of informative content in the zoo’s current exhibits has inspired me to think about how interactive exhibit design could enhance learning in public spaces like zoos, aquariums, and museums. Creating exhibits that both educate and engage the public, particularly on complex issues like animal conservation, could have a lasting impact on public awareness and behavior.

In conclusion, my visit to the Tiergarten Nürnberg was not just an eye-opening experience regarding the ethical challenges zoos face today, but also a catalyst for exploring new, innovative ways to educate the public about animal welfare. By using design to reimagine the visitor experience, we can create alternatives that are both ethical and educational, ultimately contributing to a deeper understanding and protection of wildlife.

Further Reading:
Tiergarten Nürnberg: Eine Frage der Moral – Bayern – SZ.de
tiergarten.nuernberg.de: Entdecken
Tiergarten Nürnberg: 50 Jahre Tierquälerei im Delfinarium

by tom.giess -

IMPULSE #4: Understanding Epilepsy – Key Insights from an Online Training

Being in contact with Tanja from Institut für Epilepsie in Graz, I received a lot of resources about epilepsy. One resource immediately caught my attention: selpers.com is a Vienna based online platform, which offers scientific and free online courses. Its mission is to help people with chronic diseases to understand their condition, ease treatment and increase their quality of life. At its core selpers believes, that patients can influence their course of the disease through their behavior.

Besides trainings and livestream events users can use texts, video interviews, animations, podcasts and checklists to receive what they need to know in an interactive and easy-to-understand way. A blog features interviews with experts, new research and stories.

I chose the training course „Epilepsie verstehen“ held by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gerhard Luef. I expected the course to be a good refresher and overview of the topic of epilepsy, because I felt I still have some blindspots that would need to be filled. In the following I will go through the contents and what I’ve learned.

1. What is epilepsy?

Dr. Luef starts with giving a definition about the chronic disease. Epilepsy is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide. Around 10% of people will experience a seizure at some point in their lives and approximately 5% of them will develop epilepsy. Seizures can happen to basically anyone, even individuals without prior diseases, such as students experiencing lack of sleep. While a single seizure does not necessarily mean someone has epilepsy, multiple unprovoked seizures typically characterize the disorder. Although epilepsy is not curable, it is manageable through medication for two-thirds of affected individuals. Surgical intervention can offer a permanent solution in some cases.

A seizure occurs when brain cells discharge electrical signals in an uncontrolled manner, much like a „short circuit“ or „electrical storm“ in a specific brain region. In some cases, the entire brain is affected, leading to disruptions in all senses, including loss of smell, taste or even hallucinations. The most common type of seizure is focal, which arise from specific brain regions. Generalized seizures, on the other hand, involve widespread electrical discharges across the brain. Although epilepsy does not usually cause permanent damage, untreated seizures can lead to memory impairment over time.

2. Causes of epilepsy

Dr. Luef explains epilepsy itself is not inheritable, but a genetic predisposition can increase the likelihood of experiencing a seizure. Some genetic and pre-exisiting disorders, such as Landau-Kleffner syndrome or Down syndrome, may promote epilepsy. Additionally, brain injuries caused by stroke, tumors, head trauma or severe concussions can lead to epilepsy because of a developed long-term instability in brain function. In general, anything harmful to the brain, including sleep deprivation and excessive alcohol consumption, increases the risk of seizures.

3. Symptoms and course of disease

Focal seizures may begin with an aura – a warning sign like nausea or sensory disturbances – before leading to loss of consciousness. Symptoms may include unusual smells, tastes, or involuntary movements like hand twitching. Dr. Luef claims that observers often find seizures distressing, especially when symptoms such as foaming at the mouth or bleeding occur. However, people with epilepsy typically do not feel pain during a seizure, though they may experience muscle soreness or injuries afterwards.

Absence seizures, very common for children and teenagers, are characterized as brief episodes of unresponsiveness, often mistaken for daydreaming. After a severe seizure, individuals may fall into deep sleep and/or experience disorientation for minutes to an hour possibly. Those who suffer generalized seizures usually have no memories of the event. Dr. Luef states that minimal intervention for bystanders during a seizure is best: To ensure a safe environment is the priority. If warning signs like sensory changes occur before a seizure, documenting them if possible can help with diagnosis of doctors and management of the disease.

4. Diagnosis of epilepsy

According to Dr. Luef’s opinion first seizures should always be examined by a medical professional as soon as possible, ideally within 20 hours. Common symptoms include tingling sensations, regularly occurring déjà vu episodes or sudden nausea. Neurologists and pediatricians use various diagnostic tools to differentiate epilepsy from similar conditions like syncope (fainting) or psychogenic seizures.

A proper evaluation in a clinical setting includes medical history, eyewitness reports, and physical examinations, followed by an electroencephalogram (EEG) and an MRI. EEGs measure electrical activity in the brain to detect abnormal patterns. After a first seizure, patients may need to stay in the hospital for further monitoring.

5. Living with epilepsy

For most people with epilepsy, lifelong medication and therapy is necessary. In emergency situations, placing a person in the recovery position and minimizing injury risk is essential. For individuals planning a family, proper medical advice is crucial since some epilepsy medications can cause birth defects. Seizures during pregnancy pose risks for both the mother and baby, but this according to Dr. Luef should not prevent expectant parents to not have children.

Avoiding seizure triggers, such as sleep deprivation and alcohol misuse in relation to the specific form of epilepsy, is important. It can be dangerous to forget medication, especially during activities like hiking, swimming or driving. Certain careers, such as pilot, train conductor or military service, consciously exclude people with epilepsy due to safety concerns.

Epilepsy can be life-threatening in rare cases, such as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP), which occurs in about 1 in 1,000 patients. But most people with epilepsy can lead full and unrestricted lives. Open discussions about epilepsy, participation in support groups and spreading awareness are key to improving quality of life for those affected.

6. My message to you

In the last part Dr. Luef addresses affected people and their dependants directly. Epilepsy is not something affected people need to be ashamed of. It is a normal disease like any other. The affected should talk openly about their disease and get into an exchange. They should stick to their medication plan and ask a medical professional for help, when intolerances occur. Last but not least major risks should be avoided. Following all this makes living with epilepsy very easy for the affected.

Reflections

Overall, this online training provided a very good and comprehensive overview. I felt quite well informed and wished I had taken this training earlier. It really helped to fill in the gaps in my knowledge. It was interesting to hear an expert’s perspective on the disease, especially the part about people being shocked when they witness an epileptic seizure. This is valuable to know for what I would like to test in my potential master’s thesis: Is a mobile device capable of delivering first aid information to public untrained bystanders? Finally, hearing all the aspects of what can cause seizures and how basically anyone can be affected left me feeling grounded and grateful for my health and the choices I make in my daily life, such as not wearing a helmet when riding a bike.

Resources

https://selpers.com/ueber-selpers

https://selpers.com/epilepsie

https://selpers.com/epilepsie/epilepsie-verstehen

by karolina.malec -

IMPULSE #3

Recap of World Usability Day Austria 2024

UX Graz Meetup event offered me a unique chance to connect theoretical knowledge with valuable, real-life perspectives from the UX community. The event, provided me with the opportunity to examine how casual meetings among industry professionals can influence the development of UX design strategies.
World Usability Day Austria 2024 was held online on November 14, centering on accessibility and usability in design. The agenda featured engaging presentations about how iPhones assist visually impaired individuals in their everyday activities, the #A11yFans initiative that promotes effective accessibility design, and conversations regarding typographic selections for better accessibility.

Various UX communities throughout Austria took part, including notable speakers like Claudio Zeni and Oliver Schöndorfer. The event was wrapped up with an open networking session, allowing participants to share insights and connect with each other. This event was free and open to attendees from around the world.

UX Community Engagement – Insights for my thesis

One of the most significant takeaways from the event was understanding the importance of community engagement in UX. The Meetup’s informal, open format encouraged dialogue between UX professionals, developers, and researchers, highlighting the role of such events in refining UX strategies.
While my thesis emphasizes a structured UX process—through stages like “Understanding the User” and “Mapping the User Journey”—the Meetup demonstrated that community-driven interactions often spark new insights into user needs and challenges.

While World Usability Day Austria 2024 was a pleasant experience with excellent networking prospects and a well-structured agenda, I personally thought it fell short in delivering innovative, impactful insights. The presentations and sessions were educational, but most of the material seemed repetitive and didn’t offer any unexpected or revolutionary findings. For those already knowledgeable about UX and usability, the event may not present many new viewpoints. Nevertheless, if you’re a beginner in the field or looking for a casual introduction to usability subjects, it could still be worth your while for the community aspect and general understanding.

https://www.meetup.com/uxgraz/events/304402433
https://worldusabilityday.at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=mZ_O0eSX8GM&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fworldusabilityday.at%2F

by karolina.malec -

IMPULSE #2

Reading exercise – Jamie Levy „Ux Strategy„.

Inspired by Jamie Levy’s speech and personality during the UX Conference in Graz last year, I finally decided to purchase her book in my native language and audiobook – both for my personal development and master’s thesis. I was surprised to hear her voice while listening to her audiobook on Audible. (no product placement.) We get not only UX but also tips on business and marketing approaches.

UX Strategy is a book that guides us through the whole UX process step by step, incorporating real-life storytelling into the plot. As the author explains, „UX Strategy starts with the product vision and ends on a roadmap on how to tactically get there.“ The Strategy is to bring the product to the market.

„UX Strategy = Business Strategy + Value Innovation + Validated User Research + UX Frictionless“
UX Strategy = Delivering Value to users and achieveing business goals.

Jaime Levy’s UX Strategy provides a clear framework for designing digital products that not only meet user needs but also align with business goals.

The book emphasizes four core tenets of UX strategy:

  1. Business Strategy: A successful product must align with the business’s overall goals. Understanding market trends, business models, and competitive positioning is key.
  2. Value Innovation: To stand out, products must offer unique solutions that address real user problems in ways competitors do not.
  3. Validated User Research: Gathering insights directly from target users ensures that the product is solving the right problems for the right audience.
  4. Killer UX Design: An engaging, intuitive, and aesthetically pleasing design is critical to user satisfaction and product success.

The process for creating a UX strategy includes several steps:

  • Market Research: Analyze competitors to identify market gaps and opportunities. This helps teams avoid “reinventing the wheel” and focus on delivering unique value.
  • User Research: Understand the target users‘ identities, needs, and behaviors. Tools like personas and customer journeys clarify these insights.
  • Value Proposition Design: Brainstorm and refine innovative ideas that differentiate the product while solving core user problems.
  • Prototyping and Validation: Create prototypes or mockups to test the product’s concepts with real users. Feedback from usability tests and business viability checks helps refine the idea.
  • Iterative Design and Improvement: As the product evolves, it should continuously be tested and improved based on user feedback and market dynamics.

Throughout the book, Levy uses real-world case studies to demonstrate how companies have successfully implemented these strategies.
In summary, UX Strategy is a step-by-step guide for teams looking to create digital products that are both user-friendly and strategically positioned for success in competitive markets. It equips designers, product managers, and business leaders with tools to innovate, validate, and deliver exceptional user experiences while achieving business objectives.ols to innovate, validate, and deliver exceptional user experiences while achieving business objectives.

Applying the book into my Master Thesis:
1. Business goals: I would like to mirror her strategy for identifying measurable goals to guide UX decisions. Value proposition mapping or competitive research.
2. User behavior: Use her techniques for identifying gaps in the market or user frustrations to create a solid foundation for analyzing pain points and opportunities.
3. Understanding the user: Incorporate her strategies for synthesizing user insights to prioritize actionable outcomes, such as defining personas and refining user needs.
4. Killer UX Design: An engaging, intuitive, and aesthetically pleasing design is critical to user satisfaction and product success.
5. Ideation: Use her tools like the “Value Proposition Canvas” or prioritization frameworks to evaluate and refine ideas based on their potential to fulfill both business and user needs.
6. Prototyping: Adopt her methods for testing hypotheses through prototypes, ensuring they align with your defined business goals and user needs.
7. Continous Improvement: Align her approach to tracking KPIs and post-launch analytics with your matrix’s emphasis on continuous improvement and stakeholder collaboration.

https://www.audible.de/pd/UX-Strategy-Hoerbuch/B09B4GMXPX?qid=1732812601&sr=1-1&ref_pageloadid=not_applicable&pf_rd_p=e54013e2-074a-460e-861f-7feac676b789&pf_rd_r=DQRH41N4Z0DHTRAFRMBZ&plink=76Uz5k6N9hWarsL8&pageLoadId=RM3tSP0fPhtA46yg&creativeId=41e85e98-10b8-40e2-907d-6b663f04a42d&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1
https://www.blinkist.com/en/books/ux-strategy-en
https://worldusabilitycongress.com/

by mert.altinoez -

Impulse #4 – SUX-Podcast EP15 „A Fossil-Free Internet by 2030“ with Hannah Smith

In the SUX Podcast Episode 15, titled “A Fossil-Free Internet by 2030,” Hannah Smith shared her insights on sustainability and the crucial role of rethinking our digital practices.

Understanding Sustainability

Hannah defines sustainability as meeting today’s needs while ensuring there’s enough left for future generations. This definition goes beyond environmental concerns, emphasizing personal and societal endurance. It’s about a balanced approach, acknowledging that perfection isn’t possible but striving for incremental improvements.

This idea resonates deeply with the challenges of implementing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Every action has trade-offs: improving one area often comes at a cost in another. Progress lies in collective effort, finding a balance that optimizes outcomes for all stakeholders.

The Mission for a Fossil-Free Internet

The Green Web Foundation, where Hannah works, aims to achieve a fossil-free internet by 2030. They offer tools like the Green Web Check service, which identifies whether a website is hosted by a provider using renewable energy, and CO2.JS, a toolkit for measuring carbon emissions in tech. Their mission highlights the tangible steps individuals and organizations can take to reduce their digital carbon footprint. Despite these efforts, the internet remains far from being fossil-free. 

Awareness is critical. Many people wrongly assume that digital services operate in an intangible “cloud,” when in reality, they depend on physical infrastructure with significant environmental impacts. Hannah emphasizes that we need to reduce reliance on tech, scaling down digital infrastructure alongside improving efficiency. This approach recognizes that innovation alone cannot solve this problem, some actions require scaling back consumption entirely.

Global Inequalities in Digital Consumption

One of the podcast’s most striking revelations is the disparity between tech consumption in the global north and south. The global north’s overconsumption of AI and other technologies often exploits resources and labor from less-developed regions. For instance, moderators in developing countries endure traumatic tasks, such as filtering harmful content, to ensure safe user experiences elsewhere.

This imbalance highlights the ethical dimension of digital sustainability. Addressing these inequities involves recognizing the hidden human costs behind the “magic” of digital services and finding ways to reduce exploitation while meeting the true needs of all communities.

The Power of Stories and Creativity

Hannah argues that stories play a crucial role in shaping perspectives on the internet and sustainability. Whether real or imaginative, stories can inspire action and help envision a better digital future. She cautions, however, that technologies like AI threaten human creativity by encouraging over-reliance on machines for imaginative tasks.

If left unchecked, this trend could erode the skills and creativity of future generations. While AI offers short-term productivity gains, it risks undermining long-term societal efficiency by removing opportunities to learn foundational skills. A sustainable digital future must prioritize human creativity and imagination.

Actionable Steps Toward Digital Sustainability

So, how can individuals contribute to digital sustainability? Hannah provides practical suggestions:

  • Embrace Longevity: Use tech devices for as long as possible and resist the urge to upgrade unnecessarily.
  • Slow Down: Avoid rushing into adopting new technologies. Instead, take the time to evaluate their impact.
  • Bake in Accessibility: Ensure tech products are accessible to as many people as possible, prioritizing inclusivity over novelty.
  • Start Conversations: Discuss digital sustainability within your social circles and beyond, spreading awareness about the physical and social costs of digital infrastructure.
  • Reassess AI Use: Consider whether AI is necessary for specific tasks or if a human touch could provide more value.

Lessons Learned

From Hannah’s discussion, here are three key lessons about digital sustainability:

  • Perfection Isn’t the Goal, Progress Is: Achieving sustainability isn’t about flawless solutions but about making small, meaningful changes that collectively drive improvement.
  • Digital Has a Physical Cost: The internet’s environmental impact isn’t limited to energy consumption, it includes the resource-intensive production of tech infrastructure. Awareness of this connection is foundational to change.
  • Equity Matters: True sustainability must address global inequalities in digital consumption and labor. Without considering these disparities, progress will remain incomplete.
Links

The Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/suxpodcast/episodes/SUX-EP-15—A-fossil-free-Internet-by-2030-with-Hannah-Smith-e2k5e7c/a-aba96i5

SUX: https://sustainableuxnetwork.com

The Green Web Foundation: https://www.thegreenwebfoundation.org

Branch Magazine: https://branch.climateaction.tech

by vanessa.stoeckel -

IMPULSE #4

Klanglicht Festival

Klanglicht – Ein prägendes Erlebnis voller visueller und akustischer Impressionen

Klanglicht 2024 – © Hannah Wasserfaller

About the Event

Klanglicht ist eine bemerkenswerte Veranstaltung, die Besucher in eine Welt entführt, in der Klang und Licht zu einem immersiven Gesamterlebnis verschmelzen. Es geht weit über ein traditionelles Festival hinaus und bietet eine einzigartige Verbindung aus Kunst, Technologie und emotionaler Erfahrung. Diese Symbiose fordert die Wahrnehmung heraus und lädt zur Reflexion ein. In diesem Jahr hatte ich die Möglichkeit, an diesem Event teilzunehmen, die beeindruckenden Installationen zu erleben und zudem unsere eigene Installation in der Antoniuskirche zu präsentieren.

Die Eröffnung von Klanglicht war ein wahrhaft spektakuläres Ereignis. Die historische Architektur der Stadt, insbesondere die majestätischen Kirchen, wurde zur Leinwand für moderne Lichtkunstwerke. Es war faszinierend, wie die Projektionen nahtlos in die alten Mauern integriert wurden und diese in einer neuen, noch nie gesehenen Weise interpretierten. Diese visuelle Poesie wurde mit Musik und interaktiven Elementen kombiniert, sodass jeder Besucher eine individuelle Erfahrung machen konnte.

Eine der herausragenden Installationen war „Die Melodie des Lichts“. Hier reagierten Lichter auf die Musik, wodurch eine Symphonie aus visuellen und akustischen Eindrücken entstand. Die Farben und Formen schienen sich zu bewegen und lebendig zu werden, synchron mit den Klängen. Diese Installationen schufen eine harmonische Atmosphäre, die den Raum und den Moment ergriff und die Besucher in ihren Bann zog.

Outcome

Neben der Teilnahme als Besucher hatte ich auch die Möglichkeit, in die Rolle der Künstlerin zu schlüpfen und unsere eigene Installation in der Antoniuskirche zu präsentieren. Dieses Projekt war das Ergebnis monatelanger Arbeit meines Teams und mir. Die Kirche, ein Raum mit einer tiefen historischen Bedeutung und einer besonderen Stille, war der ideale Rahmen für unsere Idee. Mit einer Kombination aus Lichtprojektionen und subtiler Musik wollten wir eine meditative Atmosphäre schaffen, die die Besucher zur Ruhe kommen und reflektieren ließ. Es war beeindruckend zu beobachten, wie unterschiedlich die Reaktionen ausfielen – einige Besucher verweilten lange und ließen sich von der sanften Licht- und Klangwelt fesseln, während andere mit einem Gefühl der Ruhe und des Staunens den Raum verließen.

Reflection/ Key Takeaways

Die Zeit bei Klanglicht ließ mich eine wichtige Erkenntnis gewinnen: Lichtinstallationen sind nicht mein Spezialgebiet, und ich habe festgestellt, dass ich in dieser Form von Kunst keine Leidenschaft habe. Für meine Masterthesis habe ich beschlossen, meinen Fokus auf andere Bereiche des Interaction Designs zu legen, insbesondere auf solche, die sich mit Benutzerinteraktionen und der Gestaltung digitaler Erlebnisse befassen. Die Faszination für Lichtkunst ist für mich etwas, das ich gerne bewundere und genieße, jedoch nicht selbst gestalten möchte.

Der Besuch des Events regte mich dazu an, über die Vielseitigkeit und die Grenzen kreativer Medien nachzudenken. Was macht eine Installation wirklich packend? Liegt es an der Interaktivität, an der Verbindung von Technologie und Kunst oder an der emotionalen Reaktion, die sie beim Publikum auslöst? Diese Fragen begleiteten mich durch die Ausstellung und halfen mir, meine eigenen Vorstellungen und Interessen im Design zu reflektieren.

Ein weiteres Highlight war der Austausch mit anderen Künstlern und Designern. Ihre Perspektiven und Erfahrungen eröffneten mir Einblicke in die technischen und künstlerischen Herausforderungen, die sie bei der Umsetzung ihrer Werke bewältigten. Diese Gespräche waren nicht nur inspirierend, sondern halfen mir auch dabei, neue Ansätze zu finden, wie ich meine eigene Thesis gestalten kann.

Impact on my Thesis

Klanglicht war für mich mehr als nur eine Ausstellung; es war eine sinnliche und intellektuelle Erfahrung, die sowohl herausfordernd als auch bereichernd war. Die Erfahrung in der Antoniuskirche zeigte mir, wie Kunst und Technologie zusammenwirken können, um einen Raum zu transformieren. Diese Erkenntnis hat mir jedoch auch verdeutlicht, dass meine kreative Reise andere Wege einschlägt – hin zu Bereichen, in denen Interaktivität und Nutzerzentrierung im Mittelpunkt stehen.

Das Event hat mir neue Perspektiven eröffnet und meine Entscheidung bestärkt, dass meine Leidenschaft im Design nicht in der Lichtkunst, sondern in der Gestaltung interaktiver und nutzerzentrierter Erlebnisse liegt.

Links

by mert.altinoez -

Impulse #3 – Wall-E & Blade Runner 2049

Last weekend, I watched Wall-E and Blade Runner 2049. Though they belong to different genres and tones, both explore the consequences of unsustainable systems, offering interesting parallels to the digital challenges we face today. In a world where digital waste is invisible but increasingly impactful, these movies shine a light on the kind of futures we might be heading toward to.

Wall-E

At first, Wall-E seems to be a simple story about a robot cleaning up a trash-covered Earth. But beneath the surface, it’s a powerful critique of consumerism, overproduction, and environmental destruction. This critique translates surprisingly well to the digital world. In Wall-E, Earth has become a barren wasteland, buried under mountains of trash. While the film focuses on physical waste, it’s impossible not to see parallels in the digital sphere. Think of the gigabytes of “data trash” we generate daily, duplicated files, outdated apps, and inefficient systems that clog servers and guzzle energy.

Wall-E himself is a model of simplicity and durability: he’s designed to be repaired, reused, and adapted. Compare that to many digital tools today, which prioritize quick fixes and constant updates over long-term efficiency. A sustainable approach to (Interaction) Design could take inspiration from Wall-E’s ethos by:

  • Designing leaner systems with minimal resource demands.
  • Promoting modular, repairable software rather than disposable updates.
  • Ensuring digital experiences have clear, purposeful functionality to reduce unnecessary consumption.

Blade Runner 2049

Blade Runner 2049, on the other hand, portrays a highly technological yet deeply alienated world. Artificial intelligences like Joi, illustrate how technology can replace human relationships. At the same time, the film highlights the dark side of technological progress: environmental destruction, social inequality, and constant surveillance. If Wall-E warns us about the environmental cost of waste, Blade Runner 2049 takes a closer look at the social cost of unchecked technological development. A world where technology serves corporate greed rather than human needs.

One of the most haunting elements in Blade Runner 2049 is Joi, a digital companion designed to provide comfort and connection. Yet, her purpose is rooted in consumerism, not genuine care. It made me think: How can we design systems that empower users without exploiting them?

  • Ethical interfaces: Instead of building systems that drive addictive behavior, we should focus on designs that encourage mindful interaction.
  • Energy-efficient AI: Like Joi, AI-driven systems are becoming central to digital services. But their carbon footprint is massive. Efficient training and deployment processes could make them more sustainable.
  • Transparency in design: Users should understand how and why technology works for them and how much energy it consumes.

The hugh, resource-intensive cityscapes of Blade Runner 2049 are also a stark reminder of the environmental consequences of overdevelopment. The film pushes me to think critically about how we can design for balance instead of unchecked growth.

Lessons Learned

What connects these two films is their stark vision of the consequences of neglecting sustainability, whether environmental or social. As a designer, I see three critical takeaways:

  • Simplicity saves resources: Like Wall-E, our designs should strive for durability, efficiency, and minimalism.
  • Empathy in tech matters: Joi’s example teaches us that technology must respect and support users rather than exploit them.
  • Responsibility at scale: Both films highlight the impact of systemic decisions. As designers, we have a unique opportunity to shape systems used by millions and make sustainability a foundational part of that impact.

Watching these films back-to-back reaffirmed my belief that digital sustainability is as much about people as it is about technology. The choices we make in Interaction Design, whether it’s optimizing code, improving accessibility, or creating ethical AI can ripple out to transform entire ecosystems. If Wall-E taught me the value of efficiency and resilience, and Blade Runner 2049 the dangers of alienation, my hope is to apply both lessons to designing digital futures worth living in. Let’s not just imagine better worlds, let’s design them.

Links

Wall-E Trailer: https://youtu.be/alIq_wG9FNk?si=pSYy6B-5ipk2UzuX

Blade Runner 2049 Trailer: https://youtu.be/gCcx85zbxz4?si=d7mosqM8CeagF29f

by bensu.kaya -

→ Impulse_02 | World Usability Congress

On 16&17th October, we attended the World Usability Congress 2024 as last year. While there were many interesting talks on UX/UI design, most didn’t connect directly with my thesis topic. However, one presentation stood out—Kent Eisenhuth’s „Lessons Learned From Our Accessibility-First Approach to Data Visualization.„ It gave me fresh ideas about how to approach data visualization, and I want to share some of the key points that can useful for me.

What I Learned

  1. Clarity Makes Data More Universal
    Kent emphasized the importance of making visualizations simple and clear. Overly detailed or complex charts make it harder for people to understand the message. This idea connects with my work on language visualization. If visualizing the sounds of words or sentences becomes too busy, it could lose its meaning.
  2. Accessible Visuals Help Everyone
    One takeaway that stuck with me was how accessibility benefits all users, not just those with disabilities. For example, using high-contrast colors, patterns, or clear text labels in data visualization makes it easier for everyone to interpret, even in situations like low light or small screens. I realized this applies to visualizing language sounds too—users should be able to understand the visuals without needing extra effort.
  3. Using Multiple Senses
    Kent talked about going beyond visuals by incorporating sound or touch into data visualizations. This reminded me of the potential for multisensory designs in my language visualization project. For example, visualizing how German or English sounds could include audio feedback to make the experience richer for users.
  4. Focus on the Message
    A big part of accessibility is focusing on what you’re trying to say with the data. Kent showed examples where the message was lost because of too much decoration or unnecessary details. For my work, this means focusing on the core idea: how different languages “look” when spoken, and not getting distracted by extra effects.

Conclusion

Kent Eisenhuth’s talk made me think about how important accessibility is in data visualization and how I can use it in my thesis. Visualizing language sounds in a way that’s clear and easy to understand is essential for making it useful to others. Overall, it was a very inspiring talk!