Summer School 2026: Reconnecting with Nature in Post-Digital World

During this course, you will explore:

• Methods of creative research, including observation, fieldwork, and prototyping
• Critical perspectives on post-digital society and ecological futures
• Tools for empathic and collaborative design practice
• Experience working in diverse, international teams
• Skills for communicating ideas through rapid prototyping and storytelling

After completing this course, you will:

• Understand how design can respond to the challenges of the post-digital era
• Be able to connect natural environments with design processes in meaningful ways
• Gain confidence in co-creating across cultures and disciplines
• Leave with a portfolio-ready prototype developed during the course
• Build an international network of peers and mentors

• Short inspirational lectures and discussions with experts
• Team-based design sprints and prototyping sessions
• A full-day forest immersion for testing and reflection
• Peer feedback and group critiques
• A final showcase where your concepts are presented to an international audience

This course is for curious and creative minds who want to challenge conventional ways of designing. You might be a design, arts, or media student—or simply someone eager to explore how creativity can help us rethink our relationship with nature in a digitalized world. If you enjoy hands-on teamwork, open-minded exploration, and pushing boundaries, this Summer School is for you.

Pre-Task: Nature and Technology Diary

During the week before the summer studeis, keep a short diary to observe how nature and digital technologies intersect in your everyday life. Your task is to capture at least three moments that feel meaningful to you.

How to document:

• You can use short texts (2–5 sentences), photos, sketches, or even short audio/video recordings (max. 1 minute each).
• Each entry should answer one or both of these guiding questions:
• When did you notice digital tools pulling your attention away from nature?
• When did technology help you connect with or experience nature in a new way?

What to bring to the course:

• Select 2–3 of your diary entries that you found most inspiring or surprising.
• Prepare to share them informally in your small group on the first day.
• Keep in mind: your observations will later serve as inspiration material for co-design sessions, where you will prototype new services and experiences.

Tip: Don’t overthink it—capture raw, everyday impressions rather than polished stories. The value is in your perspective.