Spaces for participation, learning, reflection, deliberation, and dialogue
Participating in an active democratic society requires access to information, opportunities to reflect on different perspectives, and meaningful ways of making one’s voice heard. However, ongoing societal discussions can often be difficult to access, follow, or contribute to, particularly when topics are complex, contested, or shaped by expert language and formal political processes.
One way to approach this is to open spaces where citizens are invited to learn, reflect, and share information on relevant topics through exhibition artifacts. This thesis topic explores how interactive and visual installations can create more accessible entry points to public discourse. The artifact does not have to follow a specific approach and can be, for example, critical, speculative, provocative, or fictional. Installations may be used in public spaces such as libraries, museums, or campuses, or other relevant settings as long as the focus is on lowering barriers to engagement and supporting more inclusive democratic participation.
Close collaboration with external partners
We have previously collaborated with external partners such as Klimahuset and the Life Science Building, and will start up new collaboration with the Munch museum and Museene i Akershus. We will have options to find creative spaces, including museum and exhibition settings as well as other public-facing arenas.
IN5120 Tangible Interaction – A course specifically designed for this thesis topic
To help students who have limited experience with technology and technical design get started, we offer a specific course on this topic. IN5120 is an intensive studio-based lab course running over five weeks, where students specifically work with the subject of Tangible Interaction. We begin with simple learning tools such as Little Bits and work our way up to fully functional exhibition-ready installations. It will only be held Spring 2027 if enough students are interested in this topic or other master thesis topics related to prototyping, e.g., Prototyping and Participatory Design, Alternative Forms of Participation, Exploring the Role of Generative AI in Design Practices, or other similar topics covered by the Design of Information Systems research group or Technologies and Sustainable Futures research group.
Collaboration on lab activities and design workshops
Students who want to work on this topic will collaborate closely with ongoing research efforts and design lab activities led by faculty and Ph.D. students in the research group. We include students in existing or new meetings, workshops, and collaborations with internal and external partners. In addition to lab activities, faculty and PhDs affiliated with this thesis topic will organize structured reading groups and prototyping workshops.
Suited for student groups
This thesis topic suits students who want to work as part of a larger group of faculty, PhDs, and students, and who want to write their thesis together. We have had very positive experiences with students working together on part or all of their thesis work, which has proven extra helpful in situations involving practical work, e.g., prototyping, fieldwork, and workshops.
Suggested courses:
This thesis can be written in English or Norwegian.