by Korin -

PWM Modulation

Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) is a technique used to encode a message into a pulsing signal. The technique consists of modulating the width of a fixed-frequency rectangular pulse wave in direct proportion to a small control signal. The resulting PWM signal can be used to control the power delivered to a load, such as a motor or a light bulb, by adjusting the duty cycle of the waveform. PWM is used in a wide range of applications, including motor control, lighting control, and power regulation.

PWM has some advantages over traditional analog control techniques, such as greater control resolution, and reduced component wear. It also has some disadvantages, such as the need for additional hardware to filter the PWM signal and convert it back to an analog signal, and the generation of audible noise from the PWM signal.

In PWM, the microcontroller sends a series of pulses to the analog circuit. The duty cycle of the pulses, or the ratio of the pulse width to the total period, determines the average value of the signal. For example, if the pulse width is 50% of the total period, the average value of the signal is also 50%. By adjusting the duty cycle of the pulses, the microcontroller can control the average value of the signal, and thus control the power delivered to the load.

PWM can be used to control DC motors, since the average voltage applied to the motor is proportional to its speed.

by georg.kiraly -

First ideas and directions how to go further… 

After the past blogposts, many possibilities have emerged on how to better include children and young people in democracy-related issues. The level of communication and the direction from which it comes is very important. No one wants to be talked down to or overwhelmed with complex explanations. In the following, I name a few ideas on how I can approach the topic as an interaction designer.

Social Media Channel

Designing a social media channel or maybe a tool kit for influencers to enhance young people’s engagement in democratic systems and processes can be a powerful way to reach a wider audience and inspire change. Key elements of such a channel or could include:

– Engaging Content: Providing content that is both educational and engaging, such as videos, podcasts, or interactive quizzes, can help young people learn about democratic systems and processes in a fun and accessible way.

– Influencer Involvement: Partnering with influencers who are passionate about democracy and civic engagement can help reach a wider audience and inspire change. Influencers can use their platform to raise awareness, share stories, and engage with their followers.

– Tools and Resources: Providing tools and resources, such as action plans, voting guides, or advocacy tools, can help young people take action and become more involved in the democratic process.

– Community Building: Building a community of young people who are interested in democracy and civic engagement can help provide a supportive and interactive environment for learning and action.

By providing engaging content, tools and resources, and a supportive community, a social media channel or tool kit designed for influencers can play an important role in empowering young people to take part in democratic systems and processes. Of course, the channel should also be visually appealing to guarantee a professional but also a personal/fun-looking appearance.

Gamification App

Gamification is a popular and effective way to engage young people in learning and taking part in democratic systems. A gamification app for this purpose could include features such as:

– Interactive Quests: By providing tasks and challenges related to political and civic topics, the app can help young people develop a deeper understanding and engagement with democratic systems.

– Virtual Representation: The app could include virtual simulations of political decision-making, allowing young people to experience the democratic process in a fun and interactive way.

– Social Interaction: Encouraging social interaction and collaboration through the app, such as team-based missions or debates, can help young people develop their communication and leadership skills.

– Rewards and Recognition: Providing rewards and recognition for accomplishments, such as virtual badges or points, can help motivate young people to continue learning and participating in democratic systems.

By combining education, engagement, and fun, a gamification app for democratic systems can help young people develop the skills and knowledge they need to become informed and active citizens.

Interactive Game for the classroom

Another solution could be an interactive game similar to the Peace Game. This would make it possible to teach children of primary school age about the importance of democracy. In a crisis-ridden time like the present, it is especially important to convince children and young people of their active participation. Even if this participation only means going to the voting booth every few years. Unfortunately, there are very obvious reasons why people are turning away from politics right now (corruption, miscommunication, shift to the right), although it is precisely in times like these that an active understanding of democracy is indispensable. Inclusion starts with information. If this information is acquired at an early age, people enter the official voting age with a democracy-friendly consciousness, which can only be an advantage for people and the state.

I realise with this topic that I am not quite at the end yet. There is still a lot to discover or research. I think it would be exciting to take up this topic again for my master’s thesis, let’s see what happens 😉

by georg.kiraly -

Social Media gets people involved!

Especially in the European Union, the inclusion of children and young people is very important. There are many initiatives, think tanks, platforms or networks that work to make politics or democracy accessible to children and young people. But if there are so many initiatives, why do we still have the problem described at the beginning? It seems as if the platforms are there, but unfortunately the information and communication does not (yet) reach the masses. This gives me the impression that perhaps the wrong communication channels are being used and that there is still more potential to reach children and young people more directly.

Bayrischer Rundfunk: Instagram Channel “news_wg”

News-WG is a information format of the Bavarian Broadcasting Corporation on Instagram. It is a platform where young people can receive information about current political issues and events in Bavaria and Germany. The format leverages the popularity of Instagram to reach a young target audience and strengthen their political awareness. Its goal is to inspire young people for political issues and help them form their opinions and beliefs. News-WG provides a platform for young people to share and discuss their opinions and thoughts on current issues. The format is an example of how traditional media can expand and enhance their content and target audience through the use of social media. It shows the importance of reaching out to young people and giving them the opportunity to form and discuss their opinions and beliefs.

The News-Wg now has over 150,000 followers and has written almost 1300 articles to date. Probably not only the simple explanations but also the direct way of communicating with the followers are the recipe for the success of this political instagram-channel.

the hosts of the channel Helene Reiner, Sophie von der Tann und Max Osenstätter ©bayrischer Rundfunk

“Der Erfolg unseres Accounts macht deutlich: Junge Leute suchen auf Instagram nicht nur Oberflächliches. Sie haben wirklich Lust auf informative Inhalte.”

News-WG-Host Helene Reiner

“Young people have always been very political,” says Martin Fuchs, who advises governments on digital communication and monitors what is happening in social media. “Political and social debates don’t pass by even those who usually give make-up tips.” Moreover, working as an influencer also allows one to develop oneself.

His definition of being an influencer is not limited to the role of being an advertiser: “These are people who have built up a reputation and a community online, use this value to present themselves and then make influence visible in social issues, but also in the commercial sphere.”

Digital opinion leaders communicate informally and far away from organisations, which makes them appear more credible. Their potential is built on personality and proximity. Because they spend their time where young people spend their time: on the net. Especially with participation formats in which the community can ask politicians questions, they enable active political participation of the younger generation.

by georg.kiraly -

Good Practices Vol.2

The European Union is home to two outstanding initiatives aimed at promoting democracy and civic engagement among its youth population: the European Youth Parliament (EYP) and Democracy Alive. EYP provides a platform for young Europeans to come together to learn about politics and democracy, while Democracy Alive is a network of youth organizations advocating for the rights and interests of young people in Europe. Both initiatives are essential in empowering the next generation of Europeans to become informed and active citizens.

The European Youth Parliament (EYP)

The EYP is a non-profit organization that aims to promote intercultural understanding and European cooperation among young people. It is a youth-led organization that provides opportunities for young people to engage in debates and discussions about current European and global issues. The EYP was founded in 1987 and has since grown into a pan-European network with over 20,000 members.

EYP operates through a network of national committees in over 40 countries across Europe, and they organize events such as youth forums, workshops, and international sessions. During these events, young people participate in discussions, debates, and simulations of the European decision-making process.

The goal of EYP is to provide young people with the skills and knowledge they need to become active and informed citizens, and to encourage them to become involved in the political process at the European and national levels. Through its programs and activities, EYP aims to promote intercultural exchange and understanding, and to foster a sense of European identity and solidarity among young people.

The European Youth Parliament is a recognized partner of the European Parliament and other European institutions, and its programs and initiatives are designed to help young people develop the skills and knowledge they need to become active and engaged citizens in a rapidly changing world.

Democracy Alive

Democracy Alive is a European-wide network of youth organizations that work together to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice. The network was founded with the goal of empowering young people to engage in the democratic process and to become active and informed citizens. The network provides a platform for young people to exchange ideas, share experiences, and work together to address important political and social issues. Democracy Alive uses social media, as well as traditional methods of communication, to reach its target audience and to provide young people with the information and resources they need to get involved in the democratic process.

Some of the specific activities and initiatives of Democracy Alive include:

Advocacy: The network works to promote the rights and interests of young people by advocating for policies and legislation that support their well-being and empowerment.

Capacity building: Democracy Alive provides training and resources to its member organizations to help them build their capacity and become more effective in their advocacy and activism efforts.

Networking: The network provides a platform for its member organizations to network and collaborate with one another, sharing experiences and ideas and working together to achieve common goals.

Information sharing: Democracy Alive uses social media and other digital platforms to share information and resources on important political and social issues, helping young people stay informed and engaged.

Democracy Alive is an example of a successful network that is working to promote democracy, human rights, and social justice in Europe. By empowering young people to get involved in the democratic process, the network is helping to ensure that the voices of young people are heard and that their interests are represented in the political arena.

by andrea.hurtadotorres -

Unlocking accessibility in the industry through innovative design tool technologies

The design process is often a challenging one for neurodivergent people. The traditional design process involves a lot of technical know-how and skills, which can be difficult to obtain and apply. How innovative design tool technologies can be used to unlock accessibility through innovative design tool technologies?

Tools such as Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) can provide a more immersive and interactive design experience, making it easier to visualise and engage in projects.  Natural language processing (NLP) can enable neurodivergent people to create designs using natural language, facilitating how they communicate their ideas with others. 

Motion graphics and animation tools can help neurodivergent people to create engaging and accessible designs, using visual aids and dynamic graphics to communicate their ideas.

Automated accessibility testing tools can help neurodivergent people to ensure that their designs meet accessibility standards, reducing the need for manual testing and freeing up time for more creative work.

The idea behind these innovative design tool technologies is that they allow for an increased level of participation from neurodivergent people in the design process. By unlocking accessibility through innovative design tool technologies, neurodivergent people can make a meaningful contribution to the world of design and help to shape the future of design for everyone.

by andrea.hurtadotorres -

Design Thinking for Neurodivergent People

Design thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves empathy, experimentation, and iteration. This approach can be particularly beneficial for neurodivergent individuals, as it allows them to approach design challenges in new and innovative ways.

This method starts with empathy and encourages designers to understand the needs and perspectives of users. This means understanding the way their minds work and how they process information. Designers can use this understanding to create products that are more accessible and usable by the users. 

Allowing them to bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the design process.

Design thinking is an iterative process, which means that designers are encouraged to continuously refine and improve their designs. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with nontypical brains, as it allows them to approach design challenges in a flexible and adaptive manner. 

It is also important to create a supportive and inclusive environment for neurodivergent people can help to ensure that their perspectives and experiences are valued and integrated into the design process.

Design thinking allows to approach design challenges in new and innovative ways. By starting with empathy, experimenting and prototyping, iterating, working with multidisciplinary teams, and focusing on the needs of users.  

by andrea.hurtadotorres -

How to Design Tools to Improve the Quality of Life for Neurodivergent People?

Designing tools for neurodivergent individuals can help improve their daily lives and increase their independence and productivity. Requires an understanding of the unique challenges and needs of these users. 

Some of the key considerations when designing these tools include:

  1. User-friendly interface: Tools should have a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to use. Clear instructions, step-by-step guides, and visual aids can help making them more accessible.
  2. Customizability: This can include options like adjusting the font size, color, and layout, as well as the ability to personalize settings and preferences.
  3. Structure and organization: Many neurodivergent individuals struggle with organization and prioritizing tasks. Keeping track of their tasks and responsibilities provides structure and clarity to their daily routines.
  4. Visual aids: Graphics, animations, and videos, can be helpful for neurodivergent individuals in understanding complex information, helping improve memory and recall, and make learning and comprehension easier.
  5. Accessibility: Tools for neurodivergent individuals should be accessible and usable by individuals with a wide range of abilities and disabilities.

By taking these considerations into account, it is possible to create tools that empower neurodivergent individuals to reach their full potential and improve their daily lives.

The neurodiverse population has grown in recent years, with more and more people getting diagnose and being able to recognise their condition. This is a positive step towards acceptance, but it’s not enough. Neurodiversity should be more than just about being a dignose; it should be about being yourself.

by jana.wild -

Wie könnte ein Wimmelbuch für Erwachsene aussehen?

Die Nachfrage nach Wimmelbüchern ist unter Erwachsenen gar nicht wenig. Googlet man “Wimmelbuch für Erwachsene” findet man Foren und Seiten, in denen disskutiert und platziert wird, welches Wimmelbuch am Besten für Erwachsene geeignet ist (Bspw. https://www.bestereviews.at/wimmelbuch-erwachsene?targetid=dsa-390857331805&matchtype=&device=c&campaignid=14294937115&creative=539366533150&adgroupid=134541177828&feeditemid=&loc_physical_ms=1000821&loc_interest_ms=&network=g&devicemodel=&placement=&keyword=$&target=&aceid=&adposition=&trackid=at_all_top_1_1&mId=407-132-4411&trackOld=true&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8t2eBhDeARIsAAVEga1l1Xnx6PgqIj8qgcs2YPziDQXO3bw_E5CkPYd1ZIhm5Jynha3MfTkaAuAVEALw_wcB). Die beliebtesten hierbei sind Bücher der Reihe “Pierre, der Irrgarten-Detektiv”. Jedoch wurden diese nicht für Erwachsene gebschrieben. Das Empfohlene Lesealter hierbei ist 5-9 Jahre. Sollte es nicht Wimmelbücher geben, welche nur für Erwachsene gemacht wurden und somit andere Themen visualisieren und vielleicht auch eine andere Wirkung bei den Leser:innen erziehlen? Die einzige 2 Wimmelbücher für Erwachsene, welche ich finden konnte waren “Finde dein Glück” von Daniel Müller und “Wimmel Pimmel – Finde sie alle” von Lem N Love Publishing (eher Satire).

Ich bin der Meinung, dass man hier für mehr Bandbreite sorgen sollte, da es sich um einen Markt mit Potential handeln könnte. In der Zielgruppe sehe ich vor allem gestresste Menschen, die dem Alltag entfliehen möchten und Lesefaule Menschen, die eine bildschirmfreie Möglichkeit zur Entspannung suchen. Außerdem könnte man so gesellschaftlich relevante Themen leicht verlautbar aufbereiten.

Versuch eine Seite zu Zeichnen, wie sie in einem Wimmelbuch für Erwachsene aussehen könnten (Nur Zwischenstand, mehr Details fehlen)

by vera.kogelnik -

Illustrationstrends 2023

Einer der wichtigsten Illustrationstrends für das kommende Jahr ist Nostalgie. Das Gefühl der Nostalgie wird geweckt, indem die retro Farbpalette, Elemente der 90er Jahre und retro Schriftarten effektiv eingesetzt werden. Diese Illustrationen weckt positive Emotionen und Gefühle der Betrachter.
Der Trend beruht auf dem Prinzip, Emotionen aus der Kindheit zu wecken. Er spielt mit unseren Erinnerungen und hinterlässt einen starken Eindruck.

warme, stimmungsvolle Farben

For the past few years, designers have been occupied with bright and saturated color palettes. But recently, the usage of pastel and moody colors have become trending. This trend will create a sense of Nostalgia and a warm feeling that can make the design more welcoming and appealing.

Vintage und retro Schriftarten

Der Retrotrend hält sich auch vor Schriften nicht in Acht. Der Hauptgrund für den Einsatz von alten Schriften, ist es nostalgische Gefühle zu wecken. Dabei werden Designer hauptsächlich von der klassischen Werbung aus den 1920ern, sowie Science Fiction Filmplakaten der 70er inpspiriert.

Erdtöne

Mit dem Aufschwung von organischem Design, schaffen es auch erdige, natürliche Farbtöne und Abstufungen wieder in die Trends der Illustrationen. Hier findet man zum Beispiel, Beigetöne, Terra Cotta und Salbei- und Dunkelgrün.

starke Farben

Der Trend nach starken, knalligen Farben ist wieder klar im Kommen. Vor allem Pink, Grün und Blau sind 2023 in vielen Bereichen zu finden.

limitierte Farbpalette

Bei diesem Trend werden statt mehreren Farben, nur eine Farbe in verschiedenen Abstufungen benutzt. Das Design wirkt daher minimalistischer und cleaner.

geometrische und abstrakte Formen

Geometrische und abstrakte Formen können oft verwirren, sin aber effektiv um Verspieltheit und Kreativität auszudrücken.

atmosphärische Farbverläufe

Einer der populärsten Trends im Jahr 20234 sin atmosphärische Farbverläufe. Sie kommen vor allem im Logo Design vor und geben den Illustrationen mehr Tiefe, wirken aber nicht zu verspielt.

Handgezeichnete Illustrationen

Handgezeichnete Illustrationen kommen oft in digitalen Bereichen wie Apps, Websites oder Online-Werbung zum Einsatz. Sie geben einen verspielten, beruhigenden Kontrast zur überfüllten digitalen Welt.

by anine.hallen -

Design philosophies of Northern Playground and H&M Group

In this blog I will look into two design philosophies from two very different companies. What are the benefits of these strategies, and what are the challenges?

Northern Playground, “Our job is to make it easier and more fun to own less.”

Two main principles:

  • Duration (physical and non-physical)
  • Multi functionality (for all occasions and adventures)

Looks and functionality:

Northern Playground mainly uses one design strategy. This is designing with simple designs, multi functionality and keep-worthiness. Their design process is slow and never puts looks over functionality. Northern Playground never launch something new unless they belive it fills a hole in their collection and that it will stay a classic “forever.”

Quality:

The clothes from Northern Playground should have long lifetime and high quality through repairability, less chemicals, needing less washing and designing the garment first and then setting an appropriate price. The clothes should also be possible to recycle.

Supply chains:

Employees in their supply chain should have more than a living wage. They should have good lives and good working conditions. In addition there is full transparency in who Northern Playground partner with.

Read more:

Read more about Northern Playgrounds design strategy here: https://www.northernplayground.no/en/content/design-philosophy, and more about their buisness models, processes etc. here: https://www.northernplayground.no/en/environment

H&M Group, “…guide to designing more circular products.”

Three pillars, designing products to be:

  • used more
  • made to be made again
  • made from safe and recycled or renewable inputs

Looks and functionality:

According to H&M Group’s “Circulator Guide” they try to place each product in a “Frequency and Lifespan” diagram before they decide on materials etc. The default before they as themselves a few questions is wear monthly and lasting for 3 years. This is not particualary ambitious.

If we wear 6 garments (pants, undershirt, shirt, sweater, jacket + underwear/socks etc.) every day, one new outfit every day in the month, for 12 months a year that would mean you would have to buy and toss 2160 garments in 3 years. This is excluding pyjamas, home wear, workout clothes etc. If most of these clothes are then placed in H&M Group’s “Mid” category they are not that designed well for recyclability, and most will end up outside of that system anyways as recycling clothes is a very overwhelmed industry.

Quality

H&M Group has a different approach than Northern Playground when it comes to the quality of their clothes. They argue that clothes which are designed for being in the “Extensive” product category should have physical and some non-physical (eg. lovability) durability. However, products in the “Mid” and “Light” category should NOT be designed for durability, but rather recyclability. They at best put medium pressure on repairability and avoiding waste.

Supply chains:

Ad H&M Group is a giant in fashion is hard to get the overview of all the suppliers and working conditions. They are part of the Transparency Pledge.

Read more:

Design strategy of H&M Group: https://hmgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Circulator_Guide_v1.0.pdf

What to take from this?

  • Northern Playground is designing for “timelessness,” but will probably struggle to target people who want to express themselves through fashion with their muted colors and simple silhouettes.
  • Northern Playground designs every piece in the same spirit. This leads to transparency and trust for the customer
  • H&M Group design with different strategies for how to reduce the overall environmental impact. For as long as we produce clothes ment to only last a short while this is probably a good thing as it reduces emissions. ““Focusing on developing all products to be more durable could potentially lead to us using more resources than a garment requires.” However, this makes it more unclear for the customer what type of garment they are buying. It also drives prices down which lead to overconsumption.