mostly, i like to try out stuff. i’ve worked in interaction design, trying to find how people really want to interact with technology, and exploring new forms of interaction. i’ve dabbled in personal manufacturing, trying to understand the potential impact of things like 3D-printing. i’ve been trying out new forms of teaching and learning with approaches like the radical portfolio.

recent work

recently, my work focusses mostly on molding a new form of introduction to computer science we’ve titled ways of thinking in informatics. The original concept is the result of a collaboration with Chris Frauenberger and has grown over the years thanks to contributions from a lot of people.

one of the things i do in this effort, i work with naemi luckner (and others) to develope learning games aligned with the content of ways of thinking in informatics. contrary to many other learning games these games are (a) analog games (card and board games) and they are actually good games that engage you in interesting, entertaining activities. we produce these games ourselves, financed by the rectorate. we maintain an online-inventory of our current game stash.

also, i’m in the process of writing a book with that same title. i would post an online progress bar if i had any idea how far into the process i am 🤷

other research interests

i’ve been teaching and doing research in various aspects of ICT and society for many years. this has, among other things, led to me being a mentor of responsible research practices at TU wien for the faculty of informatics. since responsible thinking is part of the aforementioned ways of thinking in informatics course, this all ties together nicely.

i believe that research in STS (science–technology–society) falls short if it only focusses on understanding issues; in order to have any impact, STS research has to engage in the creation/(re)design/implementation of technology. just trying to understand problems is a bottomless pit; transforming this understanding into any form of explorative/experimental development is the only way to ground the insights in reality and see whether you are onto something real. so, this ties nicely into the »i like to try out stuff«; also, you can see where the ways of thinking in informatics come from: i see informatics as a deeply transdisciplinary endeavour.

Some science i did

beyond scientific publications and talks i regularily get invited to introduce my perspective in various occasions. here are a couple of recent talks that have either been transcribed or recorded.

i love to teach, and i teach a lot. find some selected courses here. you can find all my courses by using TISS search.

throughout the years, i won the occasional teaching award.