Design Technologist

Researching and Exploring the Future of Design and Interactions

Maximilian Brandl

As an interdisciplinary Design Technologist, my passion lies in the fusion of design, art, science, and technology to craft magical interactions and solutions. My work is focused on the future of human-computer interaction, cybernetics and self-learning systems and environments. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity, I am always learning, discovering, and exploring new ideas and technologies to expand my skills and emerging toolset.

With degrees in Interactive Media Design (BA) and Data-Driven Design (MA), my academic focus has been on creating and researching interactions, tools, methods, and prototypes that anticipate the future of design and technology. With over thirteen years of experience, my work is driven by a deep passion for creating, critical making, and hands-on experimentation and prototyping. I have designed and developed tools and prototypes that have been exhibited, awarded, and gained international attention, including a lab by NASA.

Philosophy

Embracing minimalism in the complexity, I focus on essential elements in a world of overabundance. Technology should enhance human interaction and serve the greater good of all species. My work is deeply rooted in creating intuitive, accessible systems that prioritize ethical and environmental responsibility. This commitment ensures trust and understanding in increasingly autonomous systems. By focusing on the human-systems relationships in the interconnected systems we live in, I design self-learning systems that become interaction partners, moving beyond traditional GUI interfaces to the design of behavioral and adaptive System Interfaces with more natural interactions. The design of these systems’ flexible behavior is key to forming complex service networks around living beings.

Service

I provide consulting and prototyping services, specializing in the design of complex, self-learning systems for automation and digitalization. I help my clients understand and evaluate the use of cutting-edge technologies, with a strong emphasis on (post) human-centered, ethical, and environmentally responsible technology usage. I critically assess technological trends to ensure that innovations are not just flashy nonsense but practical and sustainable. At the heart of my services is a commitment to critical making and prototyping. You can plan a lot in your lab, but hands-on prototypes are needed to ensure that ideas can be tested and that the final product or service survives in real-world scenarios and context.

Join me in exploring the future of technology and design. Whether you’re a product owner, agency, university or R&D department, I offer a unique perspective and a hands-on approach. Together, we can create solutions that are critical, thoughtful, practical, and transformative. I invite you to reach out if you’re interested in working together or simply want to discuss the future of technology and design. Let’s make the world an even more enjoyable place, one project/experiment at a time.