Blog, May 20th Nineth Week Honors Seminar Prof. Andreas Muxel
Pool noodles, boxes filled with pool noodles, and some more pool noodles. This was what we saw as we entered last week’s honors seminar. What at first looked like a beginner’s swimming course turned into a group cuddling session in the park next door. And we even learned about interaction and communication from Prof Andreas Muxel, and how these topics relate to optimism. Yes, confusing – I know. We were all confused (and maybe still are a bit).
Are you curious? Then keep reading and let us try to free you of the confusion.
What did we do?
This week’s seminar introduced a fascinating idea: Optimism isn’t just a personal mindset—it’s a social emotion that grows through interaction and connection. Meaning isn’t solely created through words; bodies and objects can shape how we communicate just as much.
With that in mind, we kicked off with an unexpected but insightful warm-up. Armed with a pool noodle, each of us had to develop a non-verbal, movement-based “language” using only our bodies and the noodle. Once ready, we paired up and started co-creating a shared physical dialogue. It was a powerful reminder that communication isn’t just verbal—it thrives through motion, gestures, and shared presence.
Then came the next challenge: building our own “optimism creatures.” Using pool noodles and various connectors, we extended our bodies into creative, playful forms. Although we began individually, it soon became obvious that our visions could only take shape through collaboration. We relied on each other’s ideas, support, and energy to bring our creations to life.
The highlight of the session came when we moved outside to a nearby park, connecting our creatures into one massive, living structure. Walking together as a single entity was a striking experience—a tangible metaphor for optimism as something that strengthens through community, connection, and, most importantly, interaction.
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The second half of the seminar took a more conceptual turn. We explored a key design principle: “make to make sense.” Our discussion revolved around how tools and technologies act as extensions of the body—like a hammer, which amplifies strength and precision. This idea took an unexpected twist when we asked, “How does a fridge feel?” A simple question, but one that sparked a whole new way of thinking. It challenged us to see design beyond pure functionality, to recognize how empathy can enhance user experience and create deeper, more meaningful connections between people and the objects they interact with.
Ultimately, this seminar shifted my perspective on optimism. It’s not just a feeling we cultivate in isolation—it’s something that thrives through shared experiences, through movement, through collaboration.
“Optimism isn’t static—it’s something we build together.”
Thinking out loud – our key takeaways
We communicate all the time. Consciously and unconsciously, it happens whether we want to or not. But what most of us probably never did either way was communicate with each through pool noodles. This was an exciting activity for sure, but also quite challenging at first. Actually having to think about how to greet people without speech or waving, I can tell you; not that easy. With minutes passing by we all got more relaxed, the awkwardness slowly left the room and more and more smiles and laughter were visible and hearable.
Every now and then it is really enriching to question mundane things or behavior. A shift in perspective can not only freshen up the mind but also change the way one views the world. By the way, a headstand (and/or also handstand if you can) is great way to change the perspective, literally. Especially in everyday life we tend to get stuck in routines or tasks, head-upside-down positions help, or if you have pool noodles by hand use those and walk around in your home or neighborhood and freshen up your mind and the ones of the people around you. Though this might just be an out-of-comfort-zone experience, which brings us to the next point.
Our comfort zone: Some love to step over it and some don’t. Well, with pool noodles wrapped around us it was almost impossible to not stumble over our comfort zones sooner or later. At the latest when Prof. Muxel announced that we were going to move our pool noodle creatures to the outside greenery, to the public, the few people still chilling left their comforting bubble too. It was out of comfort, yes, but let me tell you, it was actually a really fun experience. The way down the staircase was an adventure itself. Some were walking sidewards, some backwards and some squeezed together. At some point it didn’t matter anymore if this was seen as unusual or weird by the people passing by us. We were doing this together and that made us much stronger and resilient towards outside opinions. Having a community around you is so precious, always but especially when we are in new situations and that experience showed us that very clearly.
Real Life Connection
One key insight from this session was how deeply communication and connection shape our experience of optimism. It’s not just about thinking positively—it’s about how we interact, move together, and foster connections that enhance personal growth and sustain a hopeful outlook. I see this in daily life whenever people work in teams, brainstorm creatively, or support one another through challenges. Optimism grows through the strength of community and the deep connections between people—how they come together, support one another and create a foundation for hope.
Technology plays a major role in this. Our phones, apps, or digital tools aren’t just devices—they extend our bodies and shape our ways of communicating. Social media, for example, can both foster and block connection. A video call can bridge distance, making us feel close even when far apart. But these technologies also raise questions: are we really connected, or just linked?
Reflection
Before attending this week’s seminar, I always saw optimism as an individual mindset—a personal attitude shaped by my own thoughts and feelings. It felt like something internal, almost private. However, through the lecture and collaborative group activities, I gained a new perspective: optimism is much more than that.
It is a collective force that emerges when people interact, create meaning together, and support each other’s journeys. This shift in perspective has been truly eye-opening. Optimism thrives not only in our own minds but also in the relationships we cultivate and the communities we build. Through these connections, hope becomes resilient and meaningful, inspiring us to face challenges with confidence and solidarity.
Further Information
Faculty of Design:
Hybrid Things Lab
Body Technology Dance
Mulder, A., & Brouwer, J. (Eds.). (2007). Interact Or Die: There is Drama in the Networks.
Authors: Sarah Bartl & Anja Kloss
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