Re-imagining the Inkubator
2017 | Experience Design, Research
Introduction
This academic project in experience design was developed in collaboration with SEA – Supporting Entrepreneurship at Aalborg University. The objective was to redesign the Inkubator space located at Fibigerstræde 11, Room 39, with a focus on fostering creativity, motivation, and innovation. SEA sought a concept that could later be scaled or integrated into the newly established AAU Science and Innovation HUB.
Recognizing that the physical environment plays a vital role in supporting entrepreneurial mindsets and collaborative learning, SEA asked our team to investigate and propose improvements that would better support student start-ups and innovation-driven learning.
Understanding the Context
The process began with a meeting with SEA representatives to understand their goals, challenges, and vision for the Inkubator. We were introduced to the space and its current usage patterns, and we had the opportunity to speak with employees and start-up teams. During this initial meeting, we were also invited to participate in an upcoming SEA workshop, which provided us a platform for in-depth field work.
Designing the Research Method
To uncover insights about the users’ needs and the current limitations of the space, we planned a mixed-method research approach. This included interviews and a creative co-design activity. Participants were invited to build their vision of the “Perfect Entrepreneurial Workspace” using large whiteboards, magazines, colored paper, and other tactile materials. This method enabled participants to express their ideas visually and collaboratively, giving us deeper access to their unspoken needs and values.
We also planned to attend the SEA-organized workshop on business models, where we could observe and engage with the environment and its users during real activities.
Field Work and Co-Creation
The workshop day provided two layers of research: our co-creation session with five participants (including both users and SEA employees), followed by our participation in the main workshop attended by approximately 40 individuals. While the first session allowed for open-ended exploration of spatial needs, the second gave us the chance to observe how the current space supported—or limited—group collaboration, social interaction, and entrepreneurial learning.
Our data collection included field notes, video recordings, and photographs to ensure a rich documentation of observations and user behaviors.
Analysis and Value Extraction
Post field work, we conducted a systematic analysis of our findings. We categorized observations into 15 thematic areas and distilled them into six core values that reflected the needs and desires of the Inkubator community. These values became the foundation for our design ideation.
Through discussion and synthesis, we identified social interaction and networking as the most critical value to address, aligning both with user feedback and the priorities of our case partner.
Ideation and Concept Development
Our team developed 10–15 design concepts aimed at enhancing the six identified values. These ideas ranged from low-cost, easy-to-implement solutions to more transformative interventions. Concepts focused on creating a more flexible, engaging, and community-oriented learning environment.
We then presented these concepts to SEA. Based on their feedback, we refined our direction to concentrate primarily on enhancing socialization and networking opportunities within the Inkubator space.
Prototyping Through Video Sketching
To communicate our ideas effectively, we created a video prototype using a mix of live-action footage, green screen techniques, and stop-motion animation. This process not only allowed us to simulate real-world interactions with our design but also helped us better understand the feasibility and functionality of our proposals.
Throughout the filming, we iteratively refined our storyboard, experimented with visual storytelling techniques, and explored how users might navigate and experience the redesigned space.
Feedback and Iteration
We presented our preliminary video sketch during a peer feedback session. The feedback emphasized areas that required clearer storytelling and more explicit connections between user needs and design features. These insights guided the final iteration of our concept video.
Final Concept Presentation
The final stage involved completing our video sketch with additional scenes, voiceovers, animations, and post-production editing. The completed video served as both a communication tool and a speculative prototype, demonstrating how the redesigned Inkubator could empower creative collaboration and entrepreneurial engagement.