Committed citizens are increasingly demanding participation in local projects. The involvement of urban society is also an important concern for the Berlin Senate. But implementation is not always easy: the bureaucratic effort is too high and usually only a few voices are heard.
Residents also sometimes learn about projects in their direct surroundings far too late, often only after the planning phase has already been completed and they can no longer contribute their own opinions. Yet participation is a necessary component of successful democratic structures.
DISCUS is a tool that aims to close this gap. As an autonomous mediator between the administration and the citizens, it appears in public space for a limited period of time in order to draw attention to a planned project of the city. Placed at the planning site by the administration, it takes on the task of informing everyone - politically engaged as well as those less involved in city life - about the project and inviting them to further discussion rounds or meetings.
In a low-threshold survey, interested persons are asked to give their opinion on the project. By turning the wheel, it is possible to choose between three answers. The most important information about the project, as well as counter-arguments, can then be printed out directly on the device and taken home. The main focus is on confronting other opinions in order to promote a constructive discussion culture in future events.
This opportunity for participation strengthens the citizens‘ identification with the project and their city. DISCUS invites people to express, argue or reconsider their own opinions, which improves self-esteem and strengthens democracy.
This project was realized in collaboration with computer science student Antonios Hazim (FU Berlin), under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Claudia Müller-Birn, Prof. Thomas Ness, Prof. Judith Glaser and Peter Sörries.
Committed citizens are increasingly demanding participation in local projects. The involvement of urban society is also an important concern for the Berlin Senate. But implementation is not always easy: the bureaucratic effort is too high and usually only a few voices are heard.
Residents also sometimes learn about projects in their direct surroundings far too late, often only after the planning phase has already been completed and they can no longer contribute their own opinions. Yet participation is a necessary component of successful democratic structures.
DISCUS is a tool that aims to close this gap. As an autonomous mediator between the administration and the citizens, it appears in public space for a limited period of time in order to draw attention to a planned project of the city. Placed at the planning site by the administration, it takes on the task of informing everyone - politically engaged as well as those less involved in city life - about the project and inviting them to further discussion rounds or meetings.
In a low-threshold survey, interested persons are asked to give their opinion on the project. By turning the wheel, it is possible to choose between three answers. The most important information about the project, as well as counter-arguments, can then be printed out directly on the device and taken home. The main focus is on confronting other opinions in order to promote a constructive discussion culture in future events.
This opportunity for participation strengthens the citizens‘ identification with the project and their city. DISCUS invites people to express, argue or reconsider their own opinions, which improves self-esteem and strengthens democracy.
This project was realized in collaboration with computer science student Antonios Hazim (FU Berlin), under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Claudia Müller-Birn, Prof. Thomas Ness, Prof. Judith Glaser and Peter Sörries.
Get in Touch
I'm a product designer and creative technologist living and working in Berlin. With a strong focus on Industrial Design and Visualisations, I bring a unique and holistic approach to crafting meaningful products at the intersection of design, technology, and culture. My work revolves around converging technology, materials, and their social impact, driving innovation through the development of new processes and systems.
I am open to freelance work and collaborations in various design tasks. For information or inquiries don’t hesitate to get in touch:
WORK EXPERIENCE
WertelOberfell, Berlin
(product design internship & freelance)
studio 7.5, Berlin
(product design internship)
OTH Regensburg
(student assistant, print media)
Büro Müller-Rieger, Munich
(exhibition design internship)
STUDIES
Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin
(M.A. Product Design)
University of Applied Sciences Regensburg
(B.A. Industrial Design)
EXHIBITIONS
2023 Rundgang, Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin
2023 Talents – Masters of the Future, HWK Munich
2022 German Design Graduates, Schloss Pillnitz Dresden
2022 Rundgang, Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin
2022 Long Night of Sciences, FU Berlin
2022 Digital:Sovereignty Design Fair, Weizenbaum Institute Berlin
2020 Superfast Design Festival by bno, Amsterdam
2019 7 Year Itch, Kunst- und Gewerbeverein Regensburg
2019 pop–up store "habenwill", Degginger Regensburg
2018 Handwerk + Form 2018, werkraum Bregenzerwald, Austria
I'm a product designer and creative technologist living and working in Berlin. With a strong focus on Industrial Design and Visualisations, I bring a unique and holistic approach to crafting meaningful products at the intersection of design, technology, and culture. My work revolves around converging technology, materials, and their social impact, driving innovation through the development of new processes and systems.
I am open to freelance work and collaborations in various design tasks. For information or inquiries don’t hesitate to get in touch:
WORK EXPERIENCE
WertelOberfell, Berlin
(product design internship & freelance)
studio 7.5, Berlin
(product design internship)
OTH Regensburg
(student assistant, print media)
Büro Müller-Rieger, Munich
(exhibition design internship)
STUDIES
Weißensee Academy of Art Berlin
(M.A. Product Design)
University of Applied Sciences Regensburg
(B.A. Industrial Design)
EXHIBITIONS
2023 Rundgang, Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin
2023 Talents – Masters of the Future, HWK Munich
2022 German Design Graduates, Schloss Pillnitz Dresden
2022 Rundgang, Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin
2022 Long Night of Sciences, FU Berlin
2022 Digital:Sovereignty Design Fair, Weizenbaum Institute Berlin
2020 Superfast Design Festival by bno, Amsterdam
2019 7 Year Itch, Kunst- und Gewerbeverein Regensburg
2019 pop–up store "habenwill", Degginger Regensburg
2018 Handwerk + Form 2018, werkraum Bregenzerwald, Austria