Watching a Discipline grow – New Experimental Research in Design

The 6th NERD Conference, titled “NERD 6th Sense – New Experimental Research in Design”, took place on November 14–15, 2024, at the Augsburg University of Applied Sciences. Hosted by the Faculty of Design (TH Augsburg) and the Board of International Research in Design (BIRD), the conference showcased cutting-edge projects exploring the boundaries of experimental and interdisciplinary design research.

The event opened with a warm welcome from Prof. Dr. Helge Oder (TH Augsburg ) and Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Jonas (BIRD), setting the stage for a program filled with diverse topics and perspectives. The first session, “Alive Matters”, chaired by Dr. des. Marc Pfaff (BIRD / TU Berlin), explored the interplay between design and biological materials. Emma Sicher (HU Berlin / Matters of Activity / HfG Offenbach) presented her work on the variety of biomaterials studied in laboratory and natural settings, while Marta Mastalerska-Scholz (TU Berlin) examined mycelium-based composites and their applications in bio-inclusive architecture, bridging ecological and technological approaches.

The afternoon featured the session “Speculative Existences”, moderated by Prof. Dr. Michelle Christensen (BIRD / TU Berlin). Here, Veronica Ranner (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore) delved into bio-digital futures, emphasizing collective speculative methodologies to envision new possibilities. Following this, Lisa Glauer (Kang Contemporary) shared experimental artistic (research) approaches reimagining human-machine interactions, after a scheduled presentation by Louise Permiin (Kolding School of Design, Denmark) had to be canceled.

Another highlight was the session “Spatial Encounters”, chaired by Prof. Dr. Tom Bieling (BIRD / HfG Offenbach), which focused on rethinking institutional and spatial design paradigms. Clee-Zhuo Wang brought a posthumanist perspective to design transformation, drawing on observations from Hong Kong, while Ozan Güngör shared strategies for challenging hegemonic structures within institutional spaces. The day concluded with the launch of the book “NERD – New Experimental Research in Design III”, presented by Michelle Christensen & Tom Bieling, followed by a hearty, convivial conference dinner and an exploratory study of Augsburg’s nightlife by some eager conference participants.

The second day opened with “Textile Narratives”, hosted by Prof. Dr. Uta Brandes (BIRD / iGDN). Pamela Nelson showcased how digital embroidery techniques are redefining the boundaries between craft and technology, while Valerie Lange discussed the designer’s role in repairing and revitalizing fashion, reflecting on sustainability.

In the session “Machinic Extensions”, moderated by Prof. Dr. Sandra Groll (Zhejaiang Wanli University), Elias Naphausen presented his project “RoboSonic Play” (supervised by Jan Willmann, and Andreas Muxel), introduced by a performative session outside the conference hall) exploring sound-based dimensions of alternative perceptions. Since Natascha Tümpel’s presentation on computational design’s potential to push aesthetic limits was cancelled, Ranjit Menon’s (Amrita University, India) talk took place earlier than planned. He explored the integration of systems thinking in design education.

The final session, “Explorative Reflections”, chaired by Marc Pfaff, centered on Luz Christopher Seiberth’s (University Potsdam) and Robert Fehse’s (Argument) discussion on the non/role of recipies in design processes. The lively closing discussion, which encouraged attendees to reflect but also contemplate future directions for experimental design research, was moved to the foyer rooms for reasons of time and space, thus creating a smooth transition to a well-deserved weekend after an intensive and productive conference

Overall, the 6th NERD Conference was a vibrant celebration of experimental design, fostering dialogue among researchers and practitioners from diverse disciplines. The carefully curated program and dynamic discussions reaffirmed its importance as a platform for practice-based and critical inquiry in the design research community, and the lovely feeling of watching a discipline grow.