PROF. DR. DANA MIETZNER
TH WILDAU
"What exactly is the ViNN:Lab?"
3 questions for Prof. Dr. Dana Mietzner
You are a professor of innovation and regional management at the Technical University of Applied Sciences in Wildau. What is the ViNN:Lab there?
This is the maker space at TH Wildau: a creative laboratory that includes digital manufacturing techniques such as various 3D printers and laser cutters, corresponding materials, Arduino kits, a digital embroidery machine, software and tools. The ViNN:Lab thus offers a specific infrastructure that is easy to use – no special prior knowledge is required, but requires interest and a desire to experiment. Here, small and large prototypes for new products are created, as well as spare parts, upcycled objects or simply ‘handmade’ items.
Our goal is to stimulate creativity and problem-solving skills, but also to promote interdisciplinary collaboration and develop a love of working with the equipment and tools. The Open Lab Days attract citizens from the region, school pupils and students from all possible fields of study to realise ViNN: Lab.
We also use this infrastructure in teaching, e.g. in the context of project and innovation management. The students then develop small educational games with characters they have created themselves, which are produced using laser cutters or 3D printers.
Or innovative concepts for stationary retail, which are visualised as prototypes so that user tests can also be carried out on the exhibit.
The ViNN:Lab – a creative laboratory for everyone, offering fascinating possibilities in the field of digital manufacturing technology.
What do you think is the ideal mobility concept for tomorrow's region?
Personally, I can imagine autonomous driving. I find the technical possibilities impressive. You could save a lot of time and do other things while travelling; then even a longer journey, e.g. from the south of Brandenburg, could be easily integrated into everyday life.
Basically, however, we need a new understanding of mobility. I still drive and own a car myself and would like to be able to use flexible, practical car-sharing services or make much greater use of public transport – if the bus would still take me home reliably after 9 p.m., if it were possible to take bicycles with me, or if car-sharing services were available in rural areas at all. The expansion of safe and comprehensive cycle paths would certainly also lead to many more people travelling by bicycle.
Electric-assisted bicycles now make it possible to cycle longer distances – which is a great thing. One could also consider providing covered cycle paths for certain routes, or developing ideas for cycling in the rain. Creative concepts for combining mobility and care would also be conceivable.
Where else do you like to spend your time outside of laboratories, institutes and lecture halls?
I really enjoy being out in nature. There is always so much to discover in the forest and lake landscape, whether by bike, at the lake or just on foot. I particularly like the quiet areas, small villages and typical field and forest paths – especially in spring and autumn. It does me good and is an important counterbalance to our digital world, which is often about new things, change and the future. In nature, it’s more about the moment.
Quiet moments of inspiration by the lake as a counterbalance to the dynamic innovation processes of the digital world