We build small digital creatures. They light up, move, make sounds, react to their surroundings … and suddenly, we find ourselves liking them. Or finding them annoying. Or somehow suspicious.

Why is that so?

In this project course, we design digital characters and explore what it takes for abstract figures to suddenly become creatures with personalities. We play with movement, light, sound, and interaction, observing the point at which we start attributing feelings, intentions, or distinct personalities to machines.

We develop quirky little bots and test the effect they have on us: When does sympathy emerge? When does a movement feel friendly, and when does it become uncanny? How do you communicate with a technical creature that may not actually have anything to say?

The goal is not to build perfect robots. We create simple, cool things, give them character, and see what happens.

We work with paper, cardboard, wood, and simple electronics. We experiment with design, perception, prototyping, and interaction, drawing on insights from psychology and research into perception and anthropomorphism.

No programming experience is required — curiosity is. And a willingness to experiment creatively definitely helps.

As always, we recommend taking the TP “Creative Coding & AI” with Manuel Michel.

If you have any Questions: Mondy, 21.09. at 11 am