This course approaches electronics as a creative medium, like any other medium in our toolkit, rather than something that is exclusive and techincal. Through hands-on exploration, students will explore electricity, solder circuits as sculptures, transform plants and fabrics into sensors, and use code to shape behaviour.Every day introduces concepts and inspirations; afternoons focus on making, experimentation, and critique. The BioLab and botanical setting in Bergamo will inform projects, encouraging connections between electronics, nature, and living systems.The course then concludes in an open, experimental brief where students create their own work from a pick-and-mix palette of materials, guided by curiosity and play.
John Nussey is a designer, technologist, and entrepreneur whose work lies at the intersection of electronics, materials, and human experience. He is co-founder and director of ONN Studio, where for over a decade he has led projects combining physical computing, sensor systems, and crafted interfaces across domains from product innovation to installations.
His portfolio includes work with both creative and commercial partners globally, where he has developed embedded systems, wearables, interactive experiences, and bespoke tools. He has also led open workshops and creative residencies, helping participants move from conceptual sketch to working hardware.
He is author of Arduino For Dummies, a resource that has introduced thousands of makers and designers to microcontrollers and prototyping.
Jose Chavarria is an Interaction Designer and Creative Technologist with a background in Industrial Design Engineering. He's a CIID alumni and has been working in the Interaction Design field since 2015.
Jose started as an Interaction Engineer and later became an R&D Lead at a design studio in San Jose, Costa Rica where he created interactive art installations. He then joined CIID as resident faculty, managing the digital fabrication lab and mentoring students.
After that, he worked as a Creative Technologist and Strategist for an architecture firm, designing AR and VR solutions, digital products, and interactive installations.
Jose's work has been recognised by the Core77 Design Awards in 2021 for Speculative Design and Costa Rica Design Week in 2022 for Interactive Design.
Passionate about human perception and Life-Centred Design, Jose aims to create technology solutions that benefit all forms of life, not just humans.
But in short, he builds stuff and wears hats.
