try to link to our region by organizing
workshops, events, or exhibitions.
Right now, we are designing a small
showcase platform in the middle of the
lab. It is a place where visitors can get
an overview of our projects; it’s also
another source of inspiration for our
colleagues.
What is one feature of your lab
you want and do not have? Because
we work in a shared space, we
definitely need more flexibility with
soundproof pods and booths so that
we can use noisy tools, build things,
write, teach, program, meet, and
have informal conversations all at the
same time.
What is the one thing you see as most
important about the work you do
there? We challenge conventional
understandings and roles of design
and science. We try to open up
fresh interdisciplinary spaces
for critical thinking and design.
Problem solving is generally not
our main aim—sometimes it is, but
we would rather address problems
and create moments of criticality,
which generate a diversity of
solutions. Sometimes these insights
and designs are even more troubling
and confusing but in a meaningful,
helpful, and inclusive way.
http://criticalmedialab.io/
DOI: 10.1145/3292017 © 2019 ACM 1072-5520/19/01 $15.00
We challenge
conventional
understandings
and roles of design
and science.
→ A Ph. D. student tinkering with electronics.
→ Audio walk, Times of Waste
(2015–2018, SNSF-Project No. 156185).
P
H
O
T
O
S
©
S
A
M
U
E
L
H
A
N
S
E
L
M
A
N
N
F
H
N
W
H
G
K
I
X
D
M