With the exhibition //DataSpaces. Experience Science, we at the Interactive Science Lab
created a place where digital sciences became understandable, tangible, and dialogically experienceable.
For three months, we accompanied the exhibition with a diverse program of guided tours,
participatory projects, and public events.
Our goal was to make complex research in the fields of data science, artificial intelligence, and
high-performance computing accessible, to foster exchange, and to open up new perspectives on science,
technology, and society.
The response was overwhelming: Over 1,550 visitors explored the exhibition. In 50 guided tours and 8 major events, we discussed, programmed, and marveled together. Here we provide a review of the formats that shaped this period.
Our guided tours formed the core of the mediation work in the exhibition //DataSpaces. Experience Science. In various formats, we at the Interactive Science Lab accompanied visitors through the exhibition and opened up access to digital sciences: dialogical, interactive, and tailored to the respective target group.
Whether it was a compact lunch break tour, an in-depth thematic tour, a family format, or a school expedition into the world of data: We always conveyed content around data science, artificial intelligence, simulations, and high-performance computing with the aim of arousing curiosity, making connections understandable, and creating space for questions and exchange. Historical objects, current research from TU Dresden, and interactive exhibits formed the basis for joint discovery.
The classic overview: In our regular tours, we took visitors on a journey from the beginnings of computer science in Dresden to current AI research projects at TU Dresden. The interactive exhibits, where complex topics became understandable, were particularly popular.
Lunch Break Tour: For those eager for knowledge during their lunch break, we offered compact 30-minute tours. A highlight here were the "Mixed Reality" appointments, where guests experienced the exhibition in a completely new dimension with VR glasses.
Experts on site: Under the motto "On the road with experts," we changed perspectives. Researchers from areas such as High Performance Computing or simulations guided visitors through the exhibition themselves and offered deep insights into their fields.
For Families: The "Exciting Data Science" tour was bustling and colorful. From the historical computer to the "Magic Mirror," playful discovery for young and old was at the forefront.
Data shapes the everyday lives of students, from TikTok to the weather app. With our school programs, we scientifically classified these everyday phenomena and highlighted career perspectives.
Grades 7–9 (STEM & Ethics): In small groups, students experimented at hands-on stations. We discussed questions such as "What is data actually?" and "How secure is my information?".
From Grade 10 onwards: We highlighted research projects on Artificial Intelligence and Big Data at TU Dresden and provided insights into possible career paths – from data scientist to ethics expert.
A special focus was on orientation and educational offers, such as guided tours for Girls’ Day, study and career orientation formats, and taster offers for students like the JuniorDoktor.
We guided 850 guests through a total of 50 tours
Weekly public tours for spontaneous visits
Specialized thematic tours on AI, high-performance computing, and simulations
Compact lunch break tours (30 min.), optionally with VR experience
Family tours with playful hands-on elements
90-minute school tours for grades 7–12
In our workshops, the exhibition became a workshop. Under the motto "Experience and shape the digital world," we invited participants to become active themselves.
Theater meets Code: Theater pedagogy and computer science combined to create playful approaches to AI.
Swarm Intelligence: Simulations and discussions made collective knowledge tangible.
Creative Teaching: In the ERASMUS+ project CT.Uni, we investigated interdisciplinary teaching formats.
Accompanying the exhibition, we organized a series of events that brought science, art, and society into conversation with each other. Panel discussions, networking formats, thematic evenings, and the festive finissage made //DataSpaces a vibrant meeting point for researchers, students, and the public.
It was particularly important to us to make different voices visible: scientists from various disciplines, curators, students, and guests from art and design contributed their perspectives to the program.
Three events remained particularly memorable:
We thank all visitors, researchers, and partners who made //DataSpaces such a vibrant place!