Kick off your entrepreneurial journey with our Design Thinking: Calm Tech workshop. In a world of constant notifications and digital noise, this hands-on session challenges you to rethink technology and design solutions that support focus, wellbeing, and real human connection. Working in interdisciplinary teams, you’ll apply Design Thinking methods, explore inspiring Calm Tech examples, and take your first steps toward the Design Thinking Hackathon and summer scholarships.
This Design Thinking workshop is a part of Co-creates Spring Programme (uio.no). We have three other workshops to choose from, explore the other themes in our events! All students connected to BI, UiO, OsloMet and Kristiania is welcome to join our programme.
Workshop format: The workshop runs in two parts, so make sure to join both sessions:
Monday 2 February (09:00–13:00) and Wednesday 4 February (09:00–13:00).
Calm Tech
Smartphones and digital platforms are deeply embedded in how we work, learn, and connect. Yet growing concern suggests that many technologies no longer serve us. They distract, exploit, and fragment our attention. Teachers, parents, researchers, policymakers, and young people alike are questioning the role technology plays in our daily lives.
This Design Thinking workshop invites students to explore Calm Technology: solutions that support human relationships, focus, and wellbeing without competing for attention.
Design Thinking
Using the Design Thinking methodology, students will:
- Identify real human needs and pain points related to technology overload
- Reframe problems around attention, presence, and meaningful interaction
- Imagine and prototype alternative technological solutions
- Work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
For inspiration, we will explore products and initiatives that challenge Big Tech’s attention-driven model, including Light Phone, reMarkable, Playdate, TonieBox, Mighty Vibe, and Mikita. Examples of technology designed to step back rather than dominate.
This workshop marks the starting point of your entrepreneurial journey. It lays the foundation for: Meeting potential future co-founders, developing problem-solution fit and preparing for the Design Thinking Hackathon.
Lecturer: Joseph Makokha
Joseph Makokha is an experienced design thinking expert and startup mentor working at the intersection of technology, creativity, and human-centered design. He works with founders and student teams to turn real-world problems into meaningful, responsible solutions.
His lecture style is about giving the floor to the students, encouraging students to participate and think for themselves. With his warm and humorous approach he creates an informal space where students are allowed to try, fail and learn with practical exercises.
Venue: UiO iHub
The workshop will be held at UiO IHub, and is open for all students connected to BI, UiO, OsloMet and Kristiania. Located in Oslo Science Park the students will be working in the same building as 300 businesses and startups, getting a taste of the entrepreneurial enviroment,