Buttons are Sexy, a story of relationship from Humans and Computers
Workshop
Duration: 6 hours
Saturday, 04 October 2025 | 11:00 > 18:002025-10-04T11:00:00.000Z | Flyer New Media
An intensive 6-hour workshop dedicated to the aesthetics and function of buttons as interfaces between humans and computers: from their history (hardware and software) to micro-interactions, from visual/sonic/haptic feedback to the role of buttons in performances and interactive installations. The focus is on how to design “sexy” buttons — clear, desirable, and effective — and use them to trigger actions, narratives, and emotions.
The workshop is led by ultravioletto, a creative studio applying design to emerging interactive technologies. With a non-conventional and experimental approach, the team integrates new media into the communication landscape, positioned at the intersection of architecture, design, storytelling, and installation, crafting immersive interactive experiences that engage and leave lasting impressions.
During the workshop, participants will learn to understand and design the “button” interface as a narrative and performative device: UX principles and affordance, feedback patterns, accessibility, and the rhythm of interaction — from concept to stage use and exhibition contexts.
The theoretical part will be followed by hands-on practice: using Processing and TouchDesigner, students will experiment with creating interactive buttons, linking them in real time to sound, light, and visuals.
The workshop concludes with the creation of a final prototype (a set of buttons/interface) to be showcased during the closing evenings of the program.
What you learn
Who it’s for
Visual artists, performers, VJs, interaction and motion designers, makers, and multimedia creatives interested in designing performative interfaces and interactive installations. Basic knowledge of audiovisual or prototyping tools is helpful but not required.
Format & duration
📍 On site
⏱️ 6 hours total – split into 2 sessions
Recommended setup: laptop + real-time software (e.g., TouchDesigner/Resolume/MadMapper or equivalents)
Optional: MIDI/OSC controller, microcontroller, or touch sensors for prototyping
Language: ITALIAN
Do you want to turn a click into an experience?
This workshop provides you with the tools, methods, and inspiration to design buttons that not only work but also tell a story — on stage and in space.
The workshop is led by ultravioletto, a creative studio applying design to emerging interactive technologies. With a non-conventional and experimental approach, the team integrates new media into the communication landscape, positioned at the intersection of architecture, design, storytelling, and installation, crafting immersive interactive experiences that engage and leave lasting impressions.
During the workshop, participants will learn to understand and design the “button” interface as a narrative and performative device: UX principles and affordance, feedback patterns, accessibility, and the rhythm of interaction — from concept to stage use and exhibition contexts.
The theoretical part will be followed by hands-on practice: using Processing and TouchDesigner, students will experiment with creating interactive buttons, linking them in real time to sound, light, and visuals.
The workshop concludes with the creation of a final prototype (a set of buttons/interface) to be showcased during the closing evenings of the program.
What you learn
- History and typologies of buttons: physical, touch, gestural, and virtual
- UX principles for “desirable” buttons: affordance, state, hierarchy, accessibility
- Designing micro-interactions with visual, sonic, and/or haptic feedback
- Connecting buttons to creative real-time flows (audio, lights, video)
- Rapid prototyping with Processing and TouchDesigner
- Integration into performances/installations and defining the dramaturgy of input
Who it’s for
Visual artists, performers, VJs, interaction and motion designers, makers, and multimedia creatives interested in designing performative interfaces and interactive installations. Basic knowledge of audiovisual or prototyping tools is helpful but not required.
Format & duration
📍 On site
⏱️ 6 hours total – split into 2 sessions
Recommended setup: laptop + real-time software (e.g., TouchDesigner/Resolume/MadMapper or equivalents)
Optional: MIDI/OSC controller, microcontroller, or touch sensors for prototyping
Language: ITALIAN
Do you want to turn a click into an experience?
This workshop provides you with the tools, methods, and inspiration to design buttons that not only work but also tell a story — on stage and in space.
Author
Ultravioletto constantly search for new forms of creative expression to create aesthetic experience at the fringes of the recently possible.Through an interdisciplinary and collaborative attitude, Ultravioletto explores the possibilities that lie between analog and digital fields to examine the relationship of humans and technology.
The Studio loves to share knowledge and established art/science collaborations teaching Interaction Design in public and private institutions.
Ultravioletto believes in research and experiments interactive solutions in new media festivals or exhibitions while meeting open mind people who...