Building on the success of our previous themes – “The Prepper,” “mutate or mute,” and “Design Science F®ictions” – we now delved into the complex layers of “unCOMMON underGROUND.” With 16 workshops led by 22 international guests from our esteemed global network of partner universities, the week promised an intensive exploration of the intersections between design, politics, communication, media ethics, and cultural exchange.
The theme “unCOMMON underGROUND” played with the concept of finding and negotiating “common ground,” as we ventured into the literal and metaphorical undergrounds of social movements, hidden narratives, and emerging ethics.
We aimed to demonstrate how design engages with the unknown and the unconventional, creating space for resistance, peacebuilding, and the subversion of disinformation. Our focus extended to the ethical dilemmas and creative potential found beneath mainstream discourse and beyond conventional ideas.
Throughout the week, transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary collaboration was at the core. We welcomed bachelor’s and master’s students from all design fields, as well as participants from international partner universities, to take part in hands-on, cross-media workshops. Together, we explored the “unCOMMON underGROUND” and redefined our collective creative landscape.
In addition to the engaging workshops, the program was enriched by daily, inspiring lightning talks. The grand finale was held on Friday with the final presentation of the workshop results in the Audimax of FH JOANNEUM. Once again, the event was a resounding success!
