by lucas.nuss -

Impulse 08 // Electric Dreams

„Electric Dreams“ Kill All Others (Fernsehepisode 2018) – IMDb

For my final impulse blog post of the semester, I decided to re-watch one of my favourite episodes of the Philip K. Dick television series Electric Dreams, called Kill All Others, and analyse the role of technology and interfaces in this dystopia. The following is a short summary without spoiling too much, so you can still watch it yourself, which I highly recommend. The episode presents a future where mass media, consumerism and propaganda shape the perception of reality. It follows Philbert Noyce, a factory worker, in a world where a single political candidate dominates the media and spreads an ominous message: „Kill all the others“. While most citizens accept this statement without question, Philbert is disturbed. As he begins to notice disturbing details in his environment, such as the omnipresent holographic advertisements and growing social conformity, he realises that his scepticism makes him an outsider. His refusal to engage with voice-activated technology and his preference for tactile interactions highlight his resistance to blind conformity. But in a society where asking questions is dangerous, his refusal leads to his end. The episode explores themes of control through technology that are highly relevant to the study of Calm Technology and Tangible Interfaces. It presents an exaggerated version of our current digital landscape, offering valuable insights into the implications of technology in everyday interactions.

» Electric Dreams

Consumerism

In Kill All Others, consumerism is driven by holographic advertisements that are directly linked to products, creating an illusion of authenticity. These holograms interact with consumers as if they have real emotions, making the experience feel personal and engaging. However, these interactions are entirely artificial and designed solely to manipulate and persuade. This highlights a major problem with modern technology: the replacement of real human connections with simulated digital experiences.
Calm Technology aims to reduce this overwhelming presence of digital distractions by integrating technology more seamlessly into everyday life. Instead of bombarding users with aggressive notifications, advertising and emotional manipulation, Calm Technology prioritises subtle and meaningful interactions. Tangible interfaces could play a role in countering digital consumerism by encouraging real, physical engagement with products and services rather than relying on artificial digital interactions. For example, instead of a holographic assistant selling a product, a Tangible Interface could allow users to explore the features of an item through touch, movement or changes in texture, encouraging a more mindful and intentional relationship with technology.

Tactility

In the episode, most of the world operates via voice-controlled routers, making interactions seamless but also impersonal. Philbert, however, continues to use tangible buttons, setting him apart from the majority. This reflects a critical discussion in interaction design: while voice control and other intangible interfaces offer convenience, they often remove the physical engagement that strengthens a user’s connection with technology. Tangible interfaces offer an alternative by maintaining the physicality of interaction. They provide feedback that is not only visual or auditory, but also tactile, giving users a greater sense of control. In the case of Kill All Others, Philbert’s reliance on tangible buttons can be seen as an act of defiance. He values the certainty that comes with physical interaction and resists the abstract nature of voice commands, which can be easily manipulated or misunderstood. This is closely related to Calm Technology, as tangible interactions allow users to remain in control without being overwhelmed by digital noise. A future designed with Calm Technology and Tangible Interfaces in mind could balance the convenience of voice control with the reliability of touch-based interactions. For example, rather than relying solely on voice assistants, smart home devices could incorporate physical interfaces that provide intuitive and non-intrusive ways to interact with technology.

Reflection

One of the most striking ideas in Kill All Others is how Philbert is labelled „too tactile“, as if his preference for physical interaction is a flaw. His scepticism and reliance on touch makes him resistant to the influence of the media, as tactile perception is harder to fool. This reflects an important advantage of tangible interaction: it provides a direct and reliable form of engagement with technology.
In a world where digital information can be manipulated, a focus on tactile interaction could act as a safeguard against misinformation. For example, in Internet of Things (IoT) design, physical objects that translate digital messages into tangible experiences could help users process information in a more grounded and thoughtful way. Rather than overwhelming users with constant digital alerts, these interfaces could use subtle physical changes, such as changes in temperature or texture, to convey information. This would allow for a calmer, more meaningful interaction with technology, reducing the risk of mindless engagement and manipulation.

As is often the case, fiction can be a great source of inspiration and warning for many things in our time. So if you haven’t seen Philip K. Dick’s Electric Dreams series, I would strongly recommend that you do, because it visualises important issues and makes you think about what our future should look like.

by vinzenz.weber -

Impulse #5

This semester I had the chance to work on a group project called Ghost Rider 2. It was one of the most fun and exciting projects I’ve been a part of, and it reminded me why I fell in love with the Unity game engine in the first place.

Ghost Rider 2 is an endless runner game set in a futuristic, dystopian city inspired by Tokyo’s neon-lit streets. The game has a low-poly art style, which gives it a unique and visually striking look. But what makes it really special is the way players control the game: instead of using a traditional controller or keyboard, they stand on a wooden board with an Arduino sensor built into it. This physical interaction adds a whole new layer of immersion and makes the experience feel fresh and innovative.

Our main goal with Ghost Rider 2 was to create a game that looked stunning and felt polished. Since it was going to be displayed at the semester exhibition, we knew players wouldn’t have much time to learn complicated controls or mechanics. We focused on keeping the game simple and intuitive, while still making it visually impressive and fun to play. It was all about tone and polish—making sure the game felt good to play, even in short sessions.

This project was especially meaningful to me because it was a sequel to Ghost Rider 1, a game I worked on earlier. The first version was more of a typical “student project”—rough around the edges and not as polished. But with Ghost Rider 2, we were able to take everything we learned from the first game and create something much more refined and professional. It was amazing to see how far we’ve come as a team and how much we’ve improved our skills.

The development process was a lot of fun. Working with Unity again reminded me how powerful and versatile the engine is. From designing the cityscape to programming the Arduino integration, every step of the process was challenging but rewarding. Seeing the game come together, piece by piece, was incredibly satisfying.

I’m really proud of what we achieved with Ghost Rider 2. It’s not just a game—it’s a testament to the power of teamwork, creativity, and iteration. It’s also a reminder that sometimes, the best projects are the ones where you focus on the basics and make sure every detail feels right.

by Paula Strugačevac -

IMPULSE #5 – CoSA – Center of Science Activities

One day when I had free time, I decided to visit CoSA – Center of Science Activities in Graz, as it’s a great source of inspiration for presenting information in an engaging and interactive way. CoSA is an interactive science center that offers an exciting experience by combining science, technology, and creativity. The museum is designed to spark curiosity and a spirit of exploration among visitors of all ages, though it is primarily tailored to children. Its exhibitions encourage active participation through hands-on activities and experiments. The museum’s spaces are divided into thematic areas such as sustainability, biology, physics, and technology. What stood out to me was the diversity of exhibits and the numerous forms of interaction. Some are simpler than others, but all are equally fun and engaging. After consulting with my professor at my home university, I decided to steer my thesis topic toward children and nature-based education.

CoSA_Sustainability

The first area I visited was CoSA_Sustainability, where visitors can learn about climate, resources, and sustainability. At the start, each visitor takes a „card“ on which they can collect results and information throughout the exhibition. The space features seven stations that provide information through games, informative videos, and audio recordings, covering topics such as energy, mobility, smartphones, clothing, packaging, nutrition, and leisure activities. After gathering information at each station, visitors have the option to answer questions based on their personal actions. For example, one question asks whether you mostly buy new clothes or second-hand, and you record your response. At the end of the exhibition, you scan your card with all your answers, and the system provides an overview of how your actions impact the environment and why. It also allows you to compare your results with those of others.

I found this approach particularly interesting, even though I already knew much of the information presented. The exhibition helped me reflect on how to present information, especially to children. I really liked the concept of comparing your actions to their environmental consequences and what is considered optimal behavior. Often, people feel attacked when told that their actions are harmful and need to change, but this method allows them to draw their own conclusions and independently decide whether they want to continue their habits or make changes. I concluded that this „play – decide – learn – compare“ approach could also be highly effective in nature-based schools as a method for fostering critical thinking.


CoSA_Experimentarium & Technology

The other two sections – experiments and technology – immerse visitors in a wide range of diverse interactions. The section on experiments was particularly captivating, as it covered various topics in physics. For instance, there’s an activity where you strike a large drum to observe the movement of air, alongside exhibits on color theory, perception, and types of electromagnetic radiation. It’s fascinating how such an approach can draw people into topics they might not initially find interesting. One example that stood out was an exhibit where visitors could learn about the essential parts of a car and how they fit together. The room features a car frame, and participants must place all the components in the correct spots, such as headlights or steering wheels. Once assembled, the car can be driven in a simulation. This interactive and tangible approach provides both a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of the topic. I believe the combination of digital screens and physical experiences in this museum was perfectly balanced. The museum manages to blend technology with hands-on activities in a way that makes learning both immersive and enjoyable. It truly invites you into a world of discovery and exploration.

CoSA is a world unto itself, where time seems to stand still. This experience left a strong impression on me, inspiring me to think about the learning process in new ways. It also made me reflect on the story my design will tell and the world it will create for users. Much like the museum, I want my projects to be engaging, surprising, and capable of transporting users into another world.

*ChatGPT was used to summarize and translate text from Croatian to English

Links
1. https://www.museum-joanneum.at/en/cosa-graz
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3H1qZ5VBzM
3. https://momath.org/
by aimee.neya -

IMPULSE # 8: Insights from Jeff Sutherland’s Scrum Framework

Jeff Sutherland’s TED Talk, „Scrum: How to Do Twice as Much in Half the Time,“ was an eye-opening exploration of how the Scrum framework can revolutionize productivity and collaboration. As one of the co-creators of Scrum, Sutherland shared real-world examples of how this methodology has been used to tackle complex challenges across industries.

Having worked at AVL for over a year and a half, I have noticed that communication between teams is one of the recurring challenges. Sutherland’s insights into Scrum offered practical strategies for addressing this issue and ensuring better alignment across departments. One standout lesson from the talk was the importance of breaking work into smaller, manageable increments. Sutherland explained how dividing tasks into sprints allows teams to focus on delivering value incrementally, reducing the risk of wasted effort and enabling continuous improvement. For the ONTEC redesign, applying this principle could ensure that the development process adapts quickly to feedback from sales professionals.

Another key takeaway was the emphasis on fostering collaboration and accountability within Scrum teams. Sutherland described how daily stand-ups and regular retrospectives foster transparency and ensure that everyone remains aligned on project goals. This approach could significantly improve communication between designers, developers, and stakeholders involved in ONTEC. By engaging all team members from the outset and maintaining regular touchpoints, we can create a cohesive team environment where everyone has a clear understanding of their role and how their contributions fit into the broader picture.

Sutherland also highlighted the critical role of prioritization in maximizing impact. By focusing on the most critical tasks first, teams can deliver meaningful results more quickly. This directly applies to the ONTEC redesign, as prioritizing features that address the most pressing pain points for sales teams will ensure the tool delivers immediate value. For example, emphasizing core functionalities like smoother navigation or faster visualization of models can significantly enhance usability and reduce dependency on engineering teams.

What stood out most was Sutherland’s focus on making every stage of development a collaborative effort. This technique not only brings diverse perspectives to the table but also ensures that the end product reflects the needs and insights of all stakeholders. For ONTEC, involving sales teams from the first stages of the redesign process could lead to more practical and user-friendly solutions, ultimately boosting the app’s effectiveness and adoption rate.

by aimee.neya -

IMPULSE # 7: Lessons from Tony Fadell’s TED Talk on Design

Tony Fadell’s TED Talk, „The First Secret of Great Design is… Noticing,“ offered an inspiring perspective on the role of observation in driving innovative design. As the creator of the iPod and co-founder of Nest Labs, Fadell drew attention to the often-overlooked inefficiencies and pain points in our everyday interactions with products, highlighting how such observations can lead to transformative user experiences.

One of the central messages of Fadell’s talk was the concept of overcoming habituation. He explained how humans tend to stop noticing things that become routine, which poses a challenge for designers. To counter this, he encouraged questioning the status quo by „seeing the world as it really is, not as we think it is.“ This idea is especially relevant to ONTEC, where understanding the realities of sales team workflows—rather than relying on assumptions—is essential for creating a tool that genuinely addresses their needs.

Fadell also introduced a practical framework for observation: asking „why“ repeatedly to uncover the root causes of problems. This approach serves as a reminder to dig deeper when identifying design challenges, ensuring that proposed solutions address the underlying issues rather than surface symptoms. Applying this to ONTEC means delving into why certain features are requested, how they fit into daily workflows, and what impact they could have on efficiency and productivity.

One of the most actionable ideas from the talk was the importance of stepping back to view user interactions holistically. For example, Fadell shared how observing even the smallest user frustrations can reveal opportunities for improvement. In the context of ONTEC, this could involve spending time understanding how sales professionals interact with the current interface, noting areas where they encounter friction or unnecessary complexity, and identifying where small, targeted changes could create a smoother experience.

This TED Talk underscored the importance of empathy and curiosity in the design process. By taking the time to notice, question, and engage with the details of user interactions, the redesign of ONTEC can move beyond functionality to create a truly intuitive and impactful tool for AVL’s sales teams.

by aimee.neya -

IMPULSE #6 : Practical Applications of Lean UX

Jeremy Bird’s article, „Implementing Lean UX in the Real World,“ provided a practical lens on integrating Lean UX principles into complex workflows. His insights closely mirrored the challenges I’ve encountered during my research, particularly in balancing the need for rapid iteration with stakeholder expectations.

Jeremy emphasized fostering a culture of collaboration as a key factor in successfully implementing Lean UX. He explained that bringing together cross-functional teams for regular workshops and co-creation sessions not only breaks down silos but also ensures that every stakeholder shares a unified vision for the product. For instance, he described a multinational project where design, development, and business teams worked together on low-fidelity prototypes. These collaborative sessions helped validate ideas quickly, saving significant time and resources by identifying potential issues early on.

Another crucial point Jeremy made was about the power of low-fidelity testing. By starting with sketches or simple wireframes, teams can test concepts without investing heavily in detailed designs or full-fledged features. This approach resonates deeply with my work on ONTEC, where testing early and often is vital to aligning the product with the needs of AVL’s sales teams. It allows us to iterate on the UI design without overcommitting resources to features that might not be effective.

What struck me most was Jeremy’s emphasis on simplicity—not just in design but also in processes. He advocated for lean, actionable workflows where every team member understands their role and contributes to delivering value. For ONTEC, this approach means focusing on the core functionalities that directly address user pain points while avoiding feature creep.

In practical terms, I’ve already started incorporating these Lean UX strategies into my research. This ensures that every iteration of ONTEC’s UI reflects real-world usage patterns and solves actual problems faced by its users.

https://jeremybird276.medium.com/implementing-lean-ux-in-the-real-world-8aa7ca880e54

by aimee.neya -

IMPULSE # 5: Building Value Through Lean Product Development

The Lean Product Development Webinar by ProdPad, featuring Jeff Patton, was a transformative experience, offering a comprehensive look into creating products that prioritize outcomes over outputs. This session provided invaluable insights for my master’s research on redesigning ONTEC’s UI, where the goal is to deliver meaningful value to users rather than simply adding features.

One of the standout moments was Jeff’s detailed walkthrough of user story mapping. He explained how breaking down user journeys into specific, actionable steps can expose functionality gaps and uncover new opportunities for innovation. Jeff shared an inspiring example of a product team that successfully identified redundant workflows, streamlining their application to focus solely on user needs. This resonated deeply with my work on ONTEC, as the app’s redesign must eliminate inefficiencies and ensure that every feature serves a clear purpose.

Another critical point was Jeff’s emphasis on „minimum viable learning.“ He discussed how small, focused experiments and rapid feedback loops allow teams to test assumptions and adapt quickly. For ONTEC, this approach translates into testing prototypes with AVL’s sales teams early and often, ensuring that any changes align with the realities of their workflows. By prioritizing learning over perfection in the early stages, we can mitigate risks and build a solution that truly resonates with its users.

A particularly impactful takeaway was the notion of focusing on outcomes rather than outputs. Jeff’s approach challenged me to think beyond delivering a set of features and instead consider the broader impact the product will have on its users. For ONTEC, this means designing tools that not only simplify visualization tasks but also empower sales teams to operate independently, fostering confidence and efficiency.

Ultimately, the webinar reinforced the importance of being intentional and user-focused in every phase of product development. By adopting Jeff’s principles of user story mapping and minimum viable learning, I am better equipped to ensure that ONTEC’s redesign is not only functional but also deeply valuable to its end users.

by aimee.neya -

IMPULSE 4#: Insights from the AVL 2025 Sales Conference

This year, I had the privilege of attending the AVL 2025 Sales Conference, a dynamic gathering of sales professionals from across AVL’s global network. Held in a vibrant and collaborative environment, the event served as a platform for exchanging insights, exploring future perspectives, and tackling shared challenges. For me, the conference was not only inspiring but also instrumental in advancing my master’s research on redesigning the UI of ONTEC, AVL’s desktop app, which is still under development to include VR capabilities.

The AVL Sales Conference: A Convergence of Innovation and Strategy

From the moment the conference began, it was evident that the focus was on collaboration and innovation. Leaders and sales teams from different regions shared their experiences, best practices, and the challenges they face in a rapidly evolving industry. Keynote sessions highlighted the company’s vision for the coming year, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation, customer engagement, and the role of technology in streamlining sales processes.

One of the most insightful moments for me was a panel discussion on leveraging digital tools to enhance the customer experience. This conversation directly tied into my research, as ONTEC is a critical tool designed to empower sales teams to visualize complex models independently, without requiring constant engineering support. While the app is actively used, it’s still evolving, and feedback from sales teams highlighted the urgent need for refinements and expanded features.

Key Takeaways for ONTEC and Its Redesign

Throughout the conference, I had the opportunity to speak with several salespeople who use ONTEC in their day-to-day work. Their feedback was invaluable in shaping my understanding of the app’s strengths and areas for improvement. Here are some of the insights I gathered:

  1. Ease of Use is Crucial: Many salespeople expressed the need for a more intuitive interface. While ONTEC’s current design is functional, there’s significant room to simplify navigation and improve accessibility, especially for users who may not be tech-savvy.
  2. Potential for VR Integration: While VR capabilities are still in development, sales teams expressed excitement about the possibility of immersive features. They suggested functionalities like interactive 3D models and virtual walkthroughs, which could make client presentations more engaging and impactful.
  3. Customization and Flexibility: Users emphasized the importance of customizable features, such as the ability to tailor the app’s interface and outputs to different client needs. This would make ONTEC a more versatile tool for diverse sales scenarios.
  4. Integration with Existing Tools: Several attendees mentioned that ONTEC could benefit from stronger integration with AVL’s other software platforms and CRM tools. Streamlining data sharing between ONTEC and these systems could save time and reduce errors.

How the Conference Enhanced My Research

Attending the AVL 2025 Sales Conference was a turning point in my research journey. It provided me with firsthand insights into the practical challenges salespeople face and how a well-designed tool like ONTEC can address these issues. Hearing directly from the app’s users helped me identify key priorities for the redesign:

  • User-Centered Design: The feedback reinforced the importance of putting the user at the center of the design process. By focusing on usability and intuitive navigation, I aim to create a UI that enhances productivity and minimizes learning curves.
  • Developing VR Capabilities: While ONTEC’s VR features are still under development, the enthusiasm from sales teams highlights the need to prioritize this area. My redesign will consider how to make these capabilities immersive and practical for real-world use.
  • Designing for Scalability: As AVL’s sales teams continue to grow and face new challenges, the app needs to evolve with them. My redesign will prioritize scalability, ensuring that ONTEC remains a valuable tool for years to come.

Looking Ahead

The AVL 2025 Sales Conference was more than just an event—it was a learning experience that deepened my understanding of the intersection between technology, design, and user needs. As I continue to work on redesigning ONTEC’s UI, I’ll carry the insights and feedback from this conference with me, striving to create a tool that empowers AVL’s salespeople to excel in their roles.

This experience reaffirmed my belief that design is not just about aesthetics—it’s about solving real problems and enhancing the user experience. I’m excited to bring these ideas to life and contribute to AVL’s mission of driving innovation in the mobility industry.

by mert.altinoez -

Impulse #07: CoSA

Today, I visited the Centre of Science Activities (CoSA) in Graz. CoSA is an interactive science and technology center designed primarily for young people aged 12 and older. It features 13 themed areas where visitors can explore different scientific fields in a hands-on way. For example, the Science section allows visitors to experiment with scientific phenomena, while Vision focuses on future technologies. The space I want to talk about today, though, is Energy.

In Energy, visitors engage with topics like consumption and sustainability in a playful and interactive way. Using a special game token, they can navigate through seven different stations covering energy, mobility, smartphones, clothing, packaging, food, and leisure. Each station presents sustainability-related challenges, encouraging visitors to reflect on their actions, set priorities, and understand the broader impact of their choices. The exhibition also connects personal behavior to global issues, such as the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. One of the more engaging aspects is that visitors can compare their decisions with others and see who invests more „energy“ into sustainable living.

What I really liked about this space was the gamified experience. It’s not just about absorbing information but actively engaging with it. Visitors learn general concepts about sustainability while also getting a personalized sense of how eco-friendly their everyday choices are. Each station has a unique way of interacting based on its subtopic. For example, in the Energy section, visitors have to crank a handle to play a video and then plug a cable into a power socket to select an answer. In Mobility, visitors power up a screen by riding a stationary bike. The Smartphone station is a modular system where visitors can choose different phone components and see how sustainable their selections are. The Clothing section features various garments with different sustainability ratings, which visitors can scan to learn more about their environmental impact. Some sections were more interactive than others. The Packaging area, for instance, wasn’t as hands-on but had a visually impressive setup with a large screen and a shopping cart in front of it. The Food station was creative, using stove switches to turn on videos that played inside pots, though the placement of the screens required visitors to crouch down to see them properly. The Leisure station, on the other hand, was styled like an arcade machine featuring a game of Snake to illustrate its message.

This visit gave me some valuable takeaways that I hope to incorporate into my master’s project. My goal is to create an interactive experience that teaches people about digital sustainability, much like CoSA does. One key insight is that you shouldn’t expect too much from visitors. There should be no more than two to three interactions per station, and they must be intuitive and quick to engage with. People generally want to explore, try something out, and move on without too much effort or explanation. However, if the experience is immersive enough, they tend to stay longer. Another important consideration is creating an environment that helps visitors focus. Isolating them from external distractions could enhance immersion and engagement. Lastly, the setup should be as self-sufficient as possible. The interactive elements should work seamlessly without requiring constant supervision, explanation, or maintenance. These are crucial lessons that I plan to apply in my upcoming work. Overall, CoSA’s Energy exhibition was an inspiring example of how to make sustainability education both fun and impactful. I left with a lot of ideas and a renewed appreciation for well-designed interactive experiences.

CoSA Energy Space
Links

CoSA: https://www.museum-joanneum.at/cosa-graz

by antonia.muszi -

All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur – IMPULS #7

Ich analysiere die erste Episode der Dokumentarfilmserie „All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur“ von Amazon Prime Video aus dem Jahr 2020. Was kann ich aus der Dokumentarfilmserie für meinen eigenen Dokumentarfilm mitnehmen?

Hier sind meine Learnings:

  • Positive und negative Momente am Anfang zeigen, um Spannung aufzubauen.
  • Erkenntnis: Man kommt fast nicht um einen Sprecher oder eine Sprecherin herum. Sonst können die Zuschauenden dem Geschehen schwer folgen.
  • Idee: Ein Training lang mit Zeitraffer das Spielfeld filmen.
  • Das Team im Nachhinein zu den Spielen zu interviewen, um ihre Kommentare dann über das Footage vom Spiel zu cutten.
  • Ein Shot, wie die Spielerinnen durch die Umkleide bzw. den Gang nach draußen gehen.
  • Ein Shot, wie die Spielerinnen Pause machen (Wasser trinken).
  • Idee: Einen Sonnenuntergang am Spielfeld filmen.