Research

Our focus on digital media as harbinger of the latest trends in audio-visual production is also important in much of our research. Our research encompasses multi-modality and cross-media tools and methods, textual, visual, auditory, and most recently tactile as well as gesture-based communication channels and interfaces. Since 2000 we have been researching the use of visualization and information design in order to create new forms of visual literacy and communication. Nevertheless, we also emphasize and are committed to further development of excellence in communication through artistic practices.

Our research staff is engaged in a wide variety of tasks, from developing and leading research projects, working in research groups, teaching and guiding doctoral dissertations, to lecturing in the Master of Arts program. As of March 2017, there are more than 40 full time and part-time doctoral students in the Lab. The current ratio of student to faculty for post-graduate studies is 1:7.

Former Research Groups

This section includes information on former research groups at Aalto ARTS during the period 2010-present.

CRUCIBLE STUDIO (2002-2017)

Crucible Studio explores, defines and creates new forms of storytelling in dialogue with new media and traditions of drama. Founded in 2002, the research studio is situated between the Media Lab and Media Centre Lume of School of Arts, Design and Architecture, which provides a unique environment where professionally equipped and maintained production facilities are linked with a content-led, practice-based and multidisciplinary research group.

FOR THE ART OF STORYTELLING IN NEW MEDIA

Crucible Studio participates in Practice Based Research productions, which combine state-of-the-art expertise of design, drama, and technology. Crucible Studio’s goal is to achieve deeper emotional experiences in the interactive media and to create production methods to develop content and technology simultaneously in the multi-talented teams of artists, designers, scientists and technology experts.

Crucible Studio was established to respond to the apparent need of story-based, emotionally rich contents of high-quality new media products and co-operation between the experts in arts, technology and design.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information, contact Pia Tikka (group leader).

ARKI (1996-2016)

The focus of Arki was in the co-evolution of digital media technology and the practices of everyday life, with a design perspective. Their work drew on experiences and practices of collaboration, participation and open modes of design and production. The name of the group, ARKI, means “everyday” in Finnish.

Research topics:

Understanding the role and potential of design and media in everyday life: Arki studied design and develop practices (content, formats, services and environments) together with individuals, communities, collectives and organizations.

ARKI was a multidisciplinary group, launched in 1996 which worked on a large number of research and design projects, funded by TEKES, Finnish Academy and the EU until its closure in August 2016 as part of cutbacks at Aalto University, brought about by financial circumstances that arose as a direct result of the Finnish government’s decisions to impose massive financial cuts on the nation’s higher education sector.

Contact information:

Kari- Hans Kommonen (research group leader) [email protected]