by naomi.bujdei -

Impuls 1: Why We Still Love Film: Analog Photography in the Digital Age

Das Video spricht über: Social Media, ein enger Verbündeter, der die analoge Anwendung von Film wiederbelebt hat. Unter dem Hashtag #FilmIsNotDead findet man über 14 Millionen Beiträge von Nutzern aus aller Welt. Warum also, in einer Welt, in der es so einfach, schnell und kostengünstig ist, das perfekte Foto mit dem Handy aufzunehmen, umarmen die jüngeren Generationen einen langsameren Prozess? Warum verzeichnen Film- und Vintage-Kamera-Verkäufe einen so steilen Anstieg? Und wie hat eine Online-Community geholfen, die analoge Fotografiebranche zu revitalisieren?

Die Photowalks gehören zu den beliebtesten Videokategorien auf Williams Kanal, und sie erfreuen das Publikum. Die Zuschauer begleiten ihn im Wesentlichen, während er mehrere Filmrollen belichtet.

Viele Kinder, die vor 15 oder 20 Jahren geboren wurden, hatten einen Großteil ihres Lebens, wie zum Beispiel die erwähnte Person, nicht die Erfahrung, taktile Aufzeichnungen zu erstellen oder Kameras zu benutzen, bei denen sie tatsächlich Film einlegen und entwickeln mussten. Ironischerweise scheint soziale Medien in den letzten fünf Jahren, insbesondere durch Instagram, einen erheblichen Einfluss auf die Verbreitung der Filmfotografie gehabt zu haben. Menschen haben sie entdeckt, mögen den Look und denken: “Das möchte ich auch ausprobieren.”

Die Kosten für die Entwicklung von Fotos, den Filmkauf und sogar die Anschaffung der Kameras sind recht hoch. Dennoch führt das am Ende des Tages viele authentische Menschen zusammen.

Es scheint eine gewisse Erschöpfung darüber zu geben, wie flüchtig die Welt der jüngeren Generation ist. Viele schrieben sie bereits ab und dachten: “Sie wollen alles sofort, sie wollen alles einfach.” Doch sie haben die Filmfotografie viel stärker angenommen, als man erwartet hat.

Die Dunkelkammerfotografie und die analoge Fotografie behandeln Bilder als individuell wichtig, und es wird viel Zeit und Mühe investiert, um sie wertvoll und bedeutsam zu machen. Sie sind nicht einfach wegzudenken. Während viele Millennials und Mitglieder der Generation Z über soziale Medien mit der analogen Fotografie in Berührung kommen, ziehen andere, wie Wesley-Studenten, diesen langsameren Prozess in der Dunkelkammer vor, gerade weil sie von ihren Social-Media-Feeds überfordert sind.

Wesley und viele andere teilen die Ansicht, dass der Prozess der analogen Fotografie in Bezug auf die Umwelt nicht nachhaltig ist. Wenn man an die Umwelt denkt, ist Film nicht besonders umweltfreundlich, sei es bei seiner Produktion, beim chemischen Verarbeitungsprozess oder beim verwendeten Wasser. Ein Professor glaubt deshalb, dass der Film mit der Zeit verschwinden wird. Für Kodak sieht die Zukunft jedoch vielversprechend aus.

William glaubt, wenn man in die Zukunft blickt, dass die analoge Fotografie immer noch eine Nische sein wird. Insgesamt ist seine Einschätzung, dass die Mehrheit der Menschen nicht die Geduld dafür aufbringen wird.

Kernideen:

Die Filmfotografie hat einen Aufschwung erlebt und wird von vielen wegen ihres haptischen Erlebnisses bevorzugt.

YouTuber Willem verdient seinen Lebensunterhalt damit, dass er auf seinem YouTube-Kanal über Filmfotografie spricht.

Soziale Medien haben die Filmfotografie populär gemacht und jüngere Generationen angezogen.

Überraschenderweise hat die Filmfotografie-Community in den letzten Jahren ein deutliches Wachstum verzeichnet.

Filmkameras erfreuen sich zunehmender Beliebtheit, was zu erheblichen Preissteigerungen führt.

Die analoge Fotografieindustrie ist immer noch lebendig und floriert.

Die analoge Fotografie bietet Kindern einen Rückzugsort, um langsamer zu werden und gezielt mit der Kamera umzugehen.

Filmfotografie erinnert uns daran, langsamer zu werden und jeden Moment zu schätzen.

by Hannah Drobir -

Make Production Management Great Again

The posts I published during the last two semesters only delt with production management in general. As this is a very broad topic my goal for this term is to narrow it down to an applicable master’s thesis topic. Today is my first try.

The title might suggest as if I am trying to reinvent production management. I am not! However, I was thinking of making it more seminal. In the approaching AI era, I want production management to be a part of filmmaking that will not lose its importance. And I asked myself: How can I do that?

Well, the answer I found was somehow primitive. I know that production management is already a very important part of filmmaking. A lot of trial and error has been done by a bunch of people before me. Still, I feel like the processes that we follow when planning a movie production are very inflexible and therefore not really viable. What they lack in my opinion is a focus on current topics such as sustainability.

For this reason I have decided to not only work on production management for outdoor movies in general but narrow it down to:

Sustainable Production Workflows for Independent Outdoor Filmmaking

I believe that production management has the potential to be a positive force for this industry’s impact on climate change. And I hope that for my master’s thesis I will be able to unlock it.

The plan is to find out more about the following (adapted) research questions:

  • Which parts of classical production management can be improved in order to be more sustainable?
  • What sustainability measures can be taken by production managers?
  • How does sustainable production management impact a production’s budget compared to classical production management?
  • Does it make sense for independent productions to switch to sustainable production management?
  • How does sustainable production management work in the field?

I am excited to start working on this altered topic even more as I think it could be interesting to people beyond my master’s thesis. For now, I will leave you with this quick update.

by yao.sossou1 -

The future of healthcare is sustainable: how e-health, robotics, and miot can help tackle the climate crisis

Introduction

Digital health is rapidly transforming the healthcare industry, with the use of technologies such as telemedicine, telehealth, and artificial intelligence (AI) playing a significant role [1]. Smart technologies are also being adopted to improve patient outcomes and experiences [2]. Deloitte predicts that the future of health will involve a shift towards a more personalized and proactive approach, enabled by digital technologies [3]. Climate change is a global challenge that requires urgent action across all sectors, including healthcare, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Many of the health risks posed by climate change require long-term planning and investment [4].  In today’s health care context, the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) offers suitability for doctors and patients as we can use them in many medical fields [5]. The healthcare industry’s carbon footprint stems from energy consumption, waste generation, and transportation, and its impact is expected to increase due to the growing demand for healthcare services worldwide. However, emerging technologies such as eHealth, “Medical Internet of Things” (MIoT) (a derivative of IoT or Internet of Things), and robotics offer promising solutions to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare. As Istepanian et al., stressed it, the use of wearables and other connected devices in health care is expected to become more common, with the potential to improve both patient outcomes and the efficiency of health care systems [6].

For instance, eHealth technologies have been widely adopted in the United States and other developed countries, enabling electronic health record systems and telehealth programs that reduce the need for paper-based records and transportation, respectively [7]. In Africa, where healthcare facilities face significant challenges due to a lack of infrastructure, resources, and healthcare services, eHealth technologies such as the National Health Information System in many African countries has the potential to enabled real-time disease outbreak monitoring, improved patient care, and reduced the need for paper-based records [8,9]. However as [10] mentioned it a decentralised approach to the implementation of HIS is more appropriate for Africa’s health systems 

Furthermore, robotics technologies have the potential to transform surgical care in Africa, reducing the need for repeat surgeries and hospital visits while improving patient outcomes. For example, the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in South Africa has implemented robotic surgery for prostate cancer treatment [11, 12]. One example of digital innovation in healthcare is the deployment of an innovative data system at the University of California, San Francisco, which integrates research and care to improve patient outcomes [13]. Another example is Eko Health, a digital health company that uses AI and machine learning to analyze heart sounds and identify potential heart conditions [14].

While the potential of these technologies to reduce the healthcare industry’s carbon footprint is clear, their adoption and implementation remain uneven across the globe. More research and investment are required to encourage widespread adoption of these technologies and address implementation challenges in resource-limited settings. This article will examine the advantages and disadvantages of eHealth, MIoT, and robotics in reducing the healthcare sector’s carbon footprint, as well as provide recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, and technology developers on how to promote sustainable healthcare practices.

I. Overview of the impact of healthcare on the climate

The healthcare industry is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, with an estimated 5% of global emissions coming from the healthcare sector. The industry generates carbon footprint through energy consumption, waste generation and transportation. Healthcare facilities consume large amounts of energy to power medical equipment, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The use of single-use medical devices and packaging materials also generates a significant amount of waste. Additionally, transportation of patients, medical personnel, and supplies also contributes to carbon footprint.

II. Introduction to eHealth, MIoT, and robotics

EHealth, IoT, and robotics are examples of digital technologies with the potential to transform the healthcare industry. EHealth is the use of digital technologies to provide healthcare services, such as telemedicine, Electronic Health Recorders(EHRs), and digital medical devices. Recently, a growing trend in the healthcare industry is the emergence of a subcategory of the IoT known as the “Medical Internet of Things” (MIoT). Unlike traditional IoT devices, MIoT devices are specifically designed for medical purposes and are connected to the internet or other networks to enable communication with each other. MIoT devices allow for the sharing of important patient information in real-time, enhancing the accuracy and speed of diagnosis and treatment. This advancement has the potential to revolutionize the way medical professionals approach patient care and lead to more efficient and effective healthcare services.

MIoT entails the collection and transmission of healthcare data via interconnected devices and sensors. In contrast, robotics is the use of machines to automate processes, perform surgeries, and deliver medical supplies.

III. How eHealth can minimize the impact on the climate?

3.1. Telemedicine 

Telemedicine is the use of digital technologies to deliver healthcare remotely. This reduces the need for patients and healthcare providers to travel, thereby lowering the carbon footprint. Patients can get healthcare from the comfort of their own homes, reducing the need for transportation. Remote consultations can also be provided by healthcare providers, reducing the need for patients to travel to healthcare facilities. More and more people in the healthcare industry are working with developers around the world to provide telemedicine software and platforms.

3.2. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) 

The EHRs can significantly reduce paper usage and storage, which contributes significantly to the carbon footprint in healthcare facilities. EHRs allow healthcare providers to electronically access patient data, eliminating the need for paper-based records. Furthermore, electronic prescribing can reduce the need for paper-based prescriptions, reducing paper usage even further.

3.3. Digital Medical Devices

The EHRs can significantly reduce paper usage and storage, which contributes significantly to the carbon footprint in healthcare facilities. EHRs allow healthcare providers to electronically access patient data, eliminating the need for paper-based records. Furthermore, electronic prescribing can reduce the need for paper-based prescriptions, reducing paper usage even furth Wearable health monitors and mobile health apps, for example, can enable patients to manage their health remotely, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits. These devices can also monitor vital signs and notify healthcare providers of any irregularities, allowing for early intervention and reducing the need for emergency hospital visits.

Other than those, there are numerous eHealth device solutions that can help to minimize the impact on the climate. For instance, smart water bottles can track water intake and hydration levels, while smart thermostats allow for remote control of heating systems. One example of a wireless vital signs monitor is the Caretaker, which connects to an Android device and provides real-time vital sign data, including continuous beat-by-beat blood pressure, without the need for wires or invasive methods. In addition to measuring blood oxygen levels, respiration rate, core body temperature, early warning score, and blood volume levels, the device can be worn by the patient as a finger cuff and wristband. The Eko Core digital stethoscope, on the other hand, has both analog and amplified modes and can be used with a smartphone app to visualize and record sounds picked up. The device is HIPAA-approved, allowing for easy sharing of results with colleagues or patients or direct upload to electronic medical records [14]. Finally, smart injection devices are connected drug delivery devices that allow doctors and patients to monitor injection administration, support any syringe design, and share data with the doctor about the amount being administered and any common patient errors. These eHealth solutions can significantly reduce the environmental impact of healthcare while improving patient outcomes.

IV. How MIoT can minimize the impact on the climate?

4.1. Remote patient monitoring

Remote patient monitoring is the use of interconnected devices to remotely monitor a patient’s health. This reduces the need for frequent hospital visits, as well as the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Patients can also benefit from early interventions, which reduces the need for emergency room visits.

4.2. Smart healthcare facilities

Smart healthcare facilities optimize energy usage with interconnected devices and sensors, lowering energy consumption and carbon footprint. These devices can monitor energy consumption and adjust lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems automatically to reduce energy waste. For example the smart hospital room project where IBM Watson has collaborated with Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia to develop a smart hospital room that is being implemented in the three hospitals overseen by the university. This partnership aims to provide a fully integrated and intelligent hospital room that can enhance patient outcomes by providing personalized care and support to medical staff.

4.3. Real-time inventory management

MIoT can also enable real-time inventory management, reducing waste from expired or unused medical supplies. Interconnected devices can monitor inventory levels and alert healthcare providers of any low supplies, reducing overstocking and waste.

V. How robotics can minimize the impact on the climate?

5.1. Automated processes

Robots can automate processes such as sterilization, cleaning, and laundry, reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. Automated processes can also reduce the need for human labor, reducing carbon footprint from transportation.

5.2. Robotics-assisted surgery 

Robotic-assisted surgery can reduce the amount of time patients spend in the hospital, reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. Robotic-assisted surgery also has a higher success rate, reducing the need for repeat surgeries and hospital visits. IDC [15] has forecast that by 2026 two-thirds of medical imaging processes will use AI to detect diseases and guide treatment. A growing number of healthcare leaders believe that investing in AI technology is important for the future of their medical facility, according to the Royal Philips report.

5.3. Autonomous delivery of medical supplies

Robots can also be used to deliver medical supplies autonomously, reducing carbon footprint from transportation. Autonomous delivery can also reduce the risk of human error, ensuring that medical supplies are delivered on time and in the correct quantity. Swisslog and Savioke have introduced a new autonomous service robot to the healthcare industry, which can perform tasks such as delivering medication and supplies to patients [16].The robots are equipped with sensors to navigate through hospital hallways and elevators, and can even open doors using RFID technology. This not only reduces the carbon footprint from transportation but also reduces the risk of human error and frees up hospital staff to focus on patient care.

VI. Challenges of implementing eHealth, MIoT, and robotics

6.1. Cost

The implementation of eHealth, MIoT, and robotics can be costly, making it difficult for some healthcare providers to adopt these technologies.

An example of the cost of implementing these technologies can be seen in the case of the University of California San Francisco Medical Center (UCSF), which implemented an electronic medical records system [13]. The system cost you could tell is over $100 million to implement and resulted in significant operational and financial challenges for the organization. Other healthcare providers have faced similar challenges with the cost of implementing new technologies, which can include hardware, software, training, and ongoing maintenance costs. These costs can be prohibitive for smaller healthcare providers with limited budgets, making it challenging for them to keep up with the latest technological advancements.

6.1. Privacy and security concerns

The use of digital technologies in healthcare raises privacy and security concerns. Healthcare providers need to ensure that patient data is protected and secure. With the increasing reliance on technology in healthcare comes the risk of cybersecurity breaches. For instance, the Anthem healthcare breach in 2015 was the largest healthcare breach in history, affecting 78.8 million individuals [17]

In 2015 Hackers were able to steal from Anthem, Inc personal information, including names, birth dates, social security numbers, and healthcare ID numbers, from approximately 80 million Anthem customers. This breach was a wake-up call for the healthcare industry, highlighting the need for stronger security measures to protect patient data. As the use of digital technologies in healthcare continues to grow, it is crucial for healthcare providers to implement robust security protocols to safeguard patient data.

6.1. Resistance to change

Resistance to change can also be a barrier to the adoption of eHealth, MIoT, and robotics. Healthcare providers may be reluctant to adopt new technologies, preferring traditional methods. A tangible example of resistance to change in healthcare technology can be seen in the slow adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) by some healthcare providers. Despite the many benefits of EHRs, such as improved patient safety, reduced medical errors, and increased efficiency, some providers still prefer to use paper records. This resistance to change can be due to various reasons such as cost, lack of training, and fear of technology failure.

VII. Recommendations and conclusion

The adoption of eHealth, MIoT, and robotics technologies has the potential to reduce the healthcare sector’s carbon footprint significantly. However, the adoption and implementation of these technologies remain uneven across the globe, and several challenges and limitations must be addressed to promote sustainable healthcare practices.

Policymakers can encourage the use of eHealth, MIoT, and robotics by providing incentives such as tax credits and subsidies. Healthcare providers can also be encouraged to adopt these technologies by providing training and support.

Investing in research and development can help overcome the challenges of implementing eHealth, MIoT, and robotics. Research can also help identify the most effective and efficient ways to implement these technologies.

Regulations and standards as to be established to help ensure that eHealth, MIoT, and robotics are used ethically and responsibly. Regulations can also help protect patient data and ensure that healthcare providers adopt these technologies safely.

In conclusion, the issue of climate change continues to be a major concern for the future of our planet. With increasing levels of carbon emissions and rising global temperatures, the effects on our environment are becoming more evident each year. From devastating natural disasters to the extinction of species, the impact of climate change is far-reaching and complex. However, with increased awareness and global cooperation, we can work towards mitigating the effects of climate change and finding sustainable solutions for the future. By reducing our carbon footprint, investing in renewable energy, and promoting environmentally friendly practices, we can help to ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. Adoption of eHealth, MIoT,and AI powered technologies has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint, optimize energy consumption, and improve patient outcomes. However, eHealth, MIoT, and robotics implementation faces challenges such as cost, privacy and security concerns, and resistance to change. To overcome these obstacles, policymakers, healthcare providers, and technology developers must collaborate to promote the use of these technologies. This can be accomplished by providing incentives, investing in R&D, and establishing regulations and standards. By doing so, we can build a more resilient and sustainable healthcare system that is better prepared to face the challenges of climate change.

References

[1] World Economic Forum. (2021, May 14). How digital health is set to revolutionize the healthcare industry. https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/05/digital-health-telemedicine-telehealth-ai-digitalize-health-services/

[2] World Economic Forum. (2021, October 5). How smart technologies are transforming healthcare.https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/10/smart-technologies-transforming-healthcare/

[3] Deloitte. (n.d.). Future of health. https://www2.deloitte.com/global/en/industries/life-sciences-health-care/perspectives/future-of-health.html

[4] Davis, J., & Nolan, K, Climate change and the global health emergency. Harvard Business Review, vol. 95, no. 1, pp. 121-128, Jan.-Feb. 2017.

[5] M.A. Khan, “Challenges Facing the Application of IoT in Medicine and Healthcare,” International Journal of Computations, Information and Manufacturing (IJCIM), 2021

[6] Istepanian, R., Hu, S., & Philip, N. (2018). Wearables and the Internet of Things for Health: Wearable, Interconnected Devices Promise More Efficient and Comprehensive Health Care. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(5), e162.

[7] Journal of Healthcare Engineering, vol. 2018, Hindawi, 2018.

[8] African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine. (2018). [Online]

[9] Lucia M. Mupara, John J.O. Mogaka, William R. Brieger, Joyce M. Tsoka-Gwegweni,Community Health Worker programmes’ integration into national health systems: Scoping review, African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine | Vol 15, No 1 | a3204 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v15i1.3204 | © 2023 Lucia M. Mupara, John J.O. Mogaka, William R. Brieger, Joyce M. Tsoka-Gwegweni | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 Submitted: 18 August 2021 | Published: 09 March 2023

[10] Oluwamayowa O. Ogundaini, Mourine S. Achieng,Systematic review: Decentralised health information systems implementation in sub-Saharan Africa,The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa|Vol 18, No 1 |a1216|DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/td.v18i1.1216 | © 2022 Oluwamayowa O. Ogundaini, Mourine S. Achieng  This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0 Submitted: 25 March 2022 | Published: 30 August 2022

[11] Van der Poel H, Van Cleynenbreugel B, Ngugi P, Connolly SS, Catto JWF. Robotic prostatectomy in Africa: a preliminary report from the largest robotic prostatectomy centre in Africa. World J Urol. 2019;37(1):65-72. doi: 10.1007/s00345-018-2387-2.

[12] Okhunov, Z., Rais-Bahrami, S., George, A. K., Waingankar, N., & Duty, B. D. (2019). The impact of robotic-assisted surgery on hospital system costs: systematic review and meta-analysis. World Journal of Urology, 37(7), 1381-1388.

[13] University of California San Francisco. (2022, April 4). UCSF deploys innovative data system to integrate research and care. https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2022/04/422566/ucsf-deploys-innovative-data-system-integrate-research-and-care

[14] Eko Health. (n.d.). AI-powered digital stethoscope. https://www.ekohealth.com/

[15] Mutaz Shegewi , Adriana Allocato , Giulia Besana, Cynthia Burghard, Lynne Dunbrack , Nino Giguashvili , Ramon T. Llamas , Silvia Piai , Jeff Rivkin , Michael Townsend , Manoj Vallikkat , Leon Xiao, IDC FutureScape: Worldwide Health Industry 2021 Predictions, https://www.idc.com/research/viewtoc.jsp?containerId=US45834920

[16] Robotics and Automation News. (2018, October 23). Swisslog and Savioke introduce new autonomous service robot to healthcare industry. https://roboticsandautomationnews.com/2018/10/23/swisslog-and-savioke-introduce-new-autonomous-service-robot-to-healthcare-industry/

[17] Infosec Institute. (n.d.). The breach of Anthem Health: The largest healthcare breach in history. https://resources.infosecinstitute.com/topic/the-breach-of-anthem-health-the-largest-healthcare-breach-in-history/

by nagyija.bogas -

ChatBot Prototype 2.0

For my first prototype, I choose to do something really simple because in this step it was important to me to understand how chatbots work, what people use to create them, and how I can make one that would be simple. In this stage, I concentrated on researching resources that are out there, that I could use to create a simple prototype. I used SendPulse – an automation platform, which has a lot of features and chatbot is one of them. 

This platform was perfect for making a prototype because it is quite simple and I could focus more on trying things out and seeing how working with a chatbot feels. It also gave me more understanding of how detail-oriented this is because you have to think ahead about what a person might need or ask. But overall it was also very interesting to do this and learn about it because I have had no previous experience with chatbots.

Future steps:
After this prototype, I would dive more into the creation of chatbots and research how people code them because using a platform is good but it has a lot of limits. I would also collect a few frequently asked questions from people who moved to Austria, collect answers and try creating something out of it. 

This step of trying to make my own prototype gave me a different perspective about how this could look like and what could be done differently.

by georg.kiraly -

Stage free for the new “wahlkabine.at”

For my prototype, I gave the wahlkabine.at website a new look. Not only that, I focused on being more modern, friendly and inclusive when presenting the election information. This should give the website a more positive impression, especially on young people, and invite them to actively participate in shaping Austria’s democracy. Have fun watching the video! 🙂

Below you’ll find the transcript of the video if the audio is not working well on your audio device.

Here is the new prototype for the website Wahlkabine.at. I have tried to make the website more modern, user-friendly, and inclusive. It was important to me that the site appeals to both young and old voters, but I have currently focused on a young audience.

The entry to the site is much friendlier right from the start, designed with a positive header image. Here on the right, you will find icons for the most popular social media platforms – Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter.

Next, there is a reminder for the upcoming election and the option to go straight to the voting booth.

Below that, two or more voters talk about why they go to vote. Here, I can also envision a collaboration with influencers.

Democracy is explained here, and its history is briefly told with a timeline.

Different forms of participation are presented here to show that it doesn’t always have to be about major national elections to actively participate. If you click on one of the buttons, you can learn more.

Here is the hover-over map of Austria, where you can find out who holds positions in the respective government.

Below that, the most well-known parties in the country are introduced. By clicking on the “Learn more” field, you can find out more about their positions and values. Afterward, the parties that are less known or primarily regional are shown.

Finally, there is a slider that introduces the different governments and councils in Austria. For example, the National Council with its 182 seats and a displayed distribution of party seats. 

Now off to the voting booth…

First, we read a small disclaimer to find out what wahlkabine.at actually is, or rather, what it is not. Then we can get started.

Here is the first question out of twenty general questions in total. It is important that the questions are formulated in a way that they are understandable and relate to people’s real lives. If you want to learn more about a question, you can click on the small info button – a window will pop up where you can either read a short information text or watch a brief 20-second video explanation.

After answering the 20 questions, you will be presented with your own voting tendency, and hopefully, you’ll be more interested in politics.

by georg.kiraly -

Closeup on the UI/UX of wahlkabine.at

In the following I would like to talk more about the interface and the user experience of the website. I would analyze from a basic point of view how the website is built and at the end I’ll give suggestions for improvement, show what are important attributes for young people nowadays and give a small preview of my prototype. I will just display two images to proof my suggestions of improvement.

01. Landing page:
On the start page, one experiences a relatively conservative introduction. If you didn’t know that you were on wahlkabine.at, you probably wouldn’t immediately recognize that it’s about democracy or election information. The many text or the quasi hidden header image make the website seem relatively unemotional or dry. I can imagine that this entrance seems less inviting for children and young people. To get other information, beyond the start page you can reach the other subpages via the citizen menu. A direct link in the direction of the survey or, for example, past results, is not possible directly or only visible after scrolling down for a long time.

02. Burger menu
The burger menu has a lot to offer. It seems like it was very important for the developers to show all possibilites of the website. Furthermore it would have been possible to sum up several bullet points such as “Über Wahlkabine”, “Redaktion” and “Methodik” and/or “Geschichte”. Also its not really common to place the search function inside a burger menu. The coloring of the whole webpage is probabyl chosen because of its diplomatic color (grey) but it’s also pretty boring and not appealing in the colorful world we do live in.

I would suggest adding more emotion, information, and user-friendliness to the webpage. By incorporating different colors, more images, and providing more possibilities for barrier-free information, the website will become more attractive to users of all ages. By intentionally incorporating interaction options on the website, such as sliders, checkboxes, or hover effects, it creates a mild gamification of the website. This increases engagement, and the dry topics of politics, democracy, and participation appear more modern, friendly, and inviting. After completing my prototype, I would focus on testing it in the next semester to form a well-informed opinion about the “new” wahlkabine.at.

by Oliver -

Lösungsvorschläge

Folgende Vorschläge wurden bei der Abschlusspräsentation an der KUG gemacht:

  • Theremin Bausatz der KUG verwenden
  • PVMVP Code zur Ortung via Kontaktmikros benutzen
  • kleineren Kontaktlautsprecher verwenden um Moden mehr zu betonen und freiere Platzierbarkeit zu bekommen
  • Becken eventuell it einer Spule zum schwingen bringen

by Oliver -

Ausblick

Es wurde im vergangenen Semester eine Sammlung an verschiedenen Interaktions- und
Klangmöglichkeiten geschaffen. Im kommenden Semester soll damit das Ziel einer interaktiven
Klanginstallation weiter verfolgt und umgesetzt werden.
Wichtig ist, dass in naher Zukunft das Theremin funktionsfähig gemacht wird und geklärt wird,
welche Sounds synthetisiert und über das Becken wiedergegeben werden.

Der Abschließende Signalflow eines einzelnen Beckens wird vermutlich wie folgt aussehen: