Overview

Hybrid collaboration in distributed FabLabs presents specific challenges related to tool integration, maintaining co-presence, and managing asynchronous interactions. Grounded in a postdigital perspective, this workshop explores how ubiquitous computing and wearable technologies can support phygital continuity in collaborative fabrication. Unlike conventional speculative workshops, this session is rooted in real-world field observations of co-presence within academic FabLabs. Participants will engage with hybrid collaboration scenarios reimagined through Design Fiction, not only as a means of speculative creation but also as a tool for critical inquiry, situated reflection, and the co-construction of preferable futures. Together, we will co-create narrative prototypes—fictional yet credible quick-start guides—that articulate emerging practices and challenge existing norms.

Objectives

Participants will:

  • Critically reflect on the challenges of hybrid co-presence in ubiquitous computing contexts
  • Collectively explore postdigital futures of collaborative fabrication through scenarios grounded in real-world situations
  • Co-design conceptual tools that embody situated forms of distributed co-presence
  • Contribute to a collective post-workshop publication compiling the insights, results, and prototypes generated during the session
     

Who Should Participate and What Roles You Can Play

This workshop is primarily intended for members of the UbiComp/ISWC community interested in distributed fabrication environments, ubiquitous computing, wearable devices, critical research methodologies such as Design Fiction, distributed educational technologies, and emerging forms of hybrid learning. We welcome researchers, practitioners, PhD candidates, engineers, and designers working on hybrid interactions, remote collaboration, or learning technologies.

Participants will be organized into multidisciplinary groups based on their areas of expertise and invited to take on one of the following roles:

  • Expert in ubiquitous and/or wearable technologies – Ensures the integration of devices in alignment with phygital continuity goals.
  • Design and prototyping specialist – Brings practical skills to translate ideas into narrative prototypes.
  • HCI or UX researcher – Contributes critical insight and methodological grounding to the design process.
  • Community engagement advocate – Focuses on inclusivity, social impact, and contextual relevance of the proposals.
  • Communicator – Responsible for documenting and sharing the creative process throughout the workshop day.

We particularly encourage applications from participants of diverse disciplinary, cultural, and geographic backgrounds, as well as varying levels of academic or professional experience.

What to Expect During the Workshop

This will be a one-day, in-person workshop including:

  • Pre-workshop: completion of an intention form and an optional virtual session featuring an immersive activity inspired by Cultural Probes
  • On-site activities: guided tour of the FabLab, theoretical framing, and presentation of scenarios
  • Collaborative work: group brainstorming, co-creation of narrative prototypes, and peer feedback
  • Closing session: final presentations and collective discussion

Scenarios and User Stories

The speculative scenarios explored in the workshop are grounded in field observations of co-present collaborative prototyping in an academic FabLab. These real-world insights were reinterpreted through Design Fiction to imagine future hybrid settings. To guide reflection, participants will engage with fictional user stories that highlight challenges of mutual awareness and coordination in phygital collaboration.

  • User Story – Shared Visual Attention: As a student working either remotely or in co-presence, I want to see where my teammates are focusing their attention—whether on-screen or on a physical prototype—so that we can stay aligned in our discussion and avoid confusion about which part of the design we're referring to.
     
  • User Story – Bidirectional Awareness and Interaction: As a student participating remotely or in co-presence, I want to understand what my teammates are doing, and be able to interact with shared physical and digital artifacts—such as rotating a prototype, switching between CAD software and fabrication tools—so we can collaboratively build and iterate in real time across locations.

Venue

  • Proposed location: Academic FabLab at Aalto University, within walking distance of the main conference venue.

How to Join the Workshop

Participation is open via a registration form. Space is limited, and selection will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. The form will ask about your interests, background, expected contributions, preferred role, and any specific needs (e.g., accessibility, equipment, etc.).

Registration form

What Happens After the Workshop

Workshop outputs will be shared via a dedicated website and will contribute to a co-authored scientific publication.

Important Dates

  • Application deadline: September 15, 2025
  • Notification of acceptance: September 22, 2025
  • Optional online welcome session: Late September 2025
  • In-person workshop: October 12 or 13, 2025

Organisers