I explore the intersections of design, technology, and critical reflection. My work engages with artificial intelligence, physical computing, and other interactive media to create new forms of interaction and reflection.
Freelancer and workshop instructor
This project proposes an experimental playground where designers can rethink AI away from sterile screens and up-to-date tech.
Six autonomous AI modules chain analog and digital processes:
Keyboard → text-to-audio model → speaker → microphone → audio-to-text model → text-to-image model → monitor → camera → image-to-text model → thermal printer.
Visitors can influence the chain via keyboard input, their own sounds, or by holding images up to the camera.
The outcomes are intentionally unpredictable and take time. Once started with an initial prompt, the pipeline continues to run through the modules autonomously.
“Reelality” addresses reels on platforms like TikTok that are designed to capture full attention.
They can be addictive and even change people’s realities. But what happens when these contents aren’t real at all, but generated entirely by AI?
The piece shows how—with minimal intervention—the AI program generates videos and challenges body images and social norms.
The installation deliberately recalls a one-armed bandit (slot machine): visitors pull a lever, and three randomly chosen terms appear on the lower screen.
Then an apparently real-time generated reel plays on a larger screen.
The project Architecture volume2img is a website where users can create a rough volume model of a building in a simple 3D editor. In the next step, a prompt consisting of words related to style, material, and environment is put together. Then, an AI generates an image based on these inputs. Alternatively, a photo of an already built model can be used as input.
As part of a course, I developed the concept "Think inside the new Box" for ConCon. My project focused on the changes that can result from the use of artificial intelligence. My idea was to
visualize an AI box that houses various AI visuals. The animation of the elements symbolizes the transition from a graphic space to a space with AI elements. In the AI booth, visitors can
experience this for themselves by giving different instructions, like a naturalistic representation of technology, causing the space to change accordingly. Several projections are installed on the stage,
with images gradually changing as the elements become more abstract. Each speaker can customize the stage design individually.
Together with Paul Eßer and Prof. Florian Jenett, I presented the concepts at ConCon 2022 in a booth. The booth we planned and designed showed how AI could change the appearance of ConCon in the future.
I designed the exhibition “Synthetic Memory” together with Niklas Thielen and Lea Waldera. The show presented artistic works by students of the master’s program (of which I am one). We critically examine the production and effects of synthetic media created through generative AI, asking questions about the malleability of memory, the role of authenticity, and how we will engage with AI in the future.
There are many programs designed to simplify designing for people without a design background. However, users often still need to make many important design decisions. I aim to change that with this project. It focuses on translating the conventional design process into a digital one. The result is a digital tool for designing advertising media. Central to the program is "ViSyn" a gender-neutral agent that guides users through the digital design process. The use of AI models is essential for this implementation, as new AI models are constantly emerging, making it even easier to create with AI. The debate on the impact AI has and will have on design is becoming increasingly intense. In line with this, I have highlighted the advantages that such AI models can have over human-to-human interaction.
Using AI, I created a card game called Eco Guardians. It's a strategic card game where players take on the roles of conservationists and face the challenge of preserving and protecting various ecosystems. The goal is to save valuable animal species and combat human threats by utilizing landscapes, settling animals, and warding off natural disasters. The illustrations are AI-generated. I designed the concept myself, but solved logical issues with an AI language model.
I was asked to create a large red carpet installation for AAAREA in front of the Alte Oper
in Frankfurt am Main. The project was created while working at the Nordisk Büro and aimed
to promote the new event platform AAAREA. It ran during Fashion Week in Frankfurt, presenting
many interdisciplinary and collaborative formats to showcase the latest trends in fashion.
The installation was placed on the red carpet of the "Markengala" and attracted the attention of
the guests. With an impressive design, the installation became an eye-catcher.
I had the pleasure of working with Nordisk Büro on the design for Matrix42's "Digital Workspace World 2022" conference. My focus was on creating the key visuals to illustrate the conference's message. The conference provides participants with a platform to engage with experts and delivers answers and strategies for the key questions regarding the digital future of work. For the implementation of the visual, the specified form was translated into a three-dimensional representation.
In a course on "Generative Design" I wrote a program that allows painting with one's body. The only requirement is a dark background and a computer camera. The program is designed to ensure interactive, beginner-friendly painting with easy operation that encourages experimentation.
I completed my Bachelor's degree in Communication Design at Hochschule Mainz
and gained experience in branding, editorial design, and digital products.
I explore the intersections of design, technology, and critical reflection.
My projects often involve artificial intelligence and physical computing.
I experiment with the reuse of older technologies to combine technology with
aesthetic experiments and create new forms of interaction and reflection.
Hi, I'm Micha, a Communication Designer from Mainz.
I completed my Bachelor's degree in Communication Design at Hochschule Mainz
and gained experience in branding, editorial design, and digital products.
I explore the intersections of design, technology, and critical reflection.
My projects often involve artificial intelligence and physical computing.
I experiment with the reuse of older technologies to combine technology with
aesthetic experiments and create new forms of interaction and reflection.
hello@michawempe.de
Mainz - Germany