In our interview series, HPI employees regularly provide insights behind the scenes of the institute. This time, Markus Wutzlhofer talks about his work as Media Studio Lead at HPI Maker Universe.
Hasso Plattner Institute: How did you come to HPI and what are your responsibilities at Maker Universe?
Markus Wutzlhofer: Three years ago, I was freelancing and helped the HPI Academy set up a video studio and produce video masterclasses on design thinking. I enjoyed working with Holger Rhinow and his team so much that we soon moved on to permanent positions. Later, we switched to HPI with the goal of creating a kind of maker space. No one had a clear idea of what this maker space should look like, so we decided to try out lots of ideas, discard many of them, and only develop those that worked for the students at HPI.
My role at Maker Universe is to manage the Media Studio. This means I help students and HPI staff to realize their media ideas, from photography to video documentaries, product presentations, pitches, 3D designs, animation, poster design, sound design, etc., and to raise their awareness of design and media presentation. I also give workshops on design-related topics.
I research the latest tools on the market, integrate them into the studio, and learn how to use them so that I can pass on my knowledge. This is particularly exciting at the moment, with new AI tools emerging every day.
I also produce video tutorials that explain how to use the tools in Maker Universe and document special projects for marketing purposes.
Last but not least, I support our team in planning the future of Maker Universe.
HPI: What do you enjoy most about your work?
Markus: Firstly, working with our students is totally fulfilling. They are surprisingly creative and funny. And as a designer, it's invaluable to be able to follow the zeitgeist of new generations and find points of connection. Secondly, our team is great. Everyone is highly motivated and wants to help HPI reach a new level. Thirdly, continuing education is part of my job. Testing new technologies and making them available is an absolute privilege.
HPI: Which of your projects has impressed you the most so far?
Markus: The Aviation Workshop, because at first I couldn't imagine that it was possible to build a remote-controlled airplane that actually flies in two days with materials costing less than €100. The community feeling was phenomenal. The first plane didn't manage to take off, the second one did – but crashed on landing. Everyone helped to repair the plane on the spot. On the third attempt, it worked and everyone went crazy! It was amazing.
HPI: What is your favorite place at HPI?
Markus: The Hardware Studio in Maker Universe, because it has become a real community space. People don't just go there to work on projects, but to meet up, inspire each other, and support each other.
HPI: What do you wish for the future of Maker Universe?
Markus: That there are even more specific offerings for the individual clusters. Unfortunately, we don't have the space for that in our premises – so of course I would also like to see us grow.
HPI: Describe HPI in three words.
Markus: Making ideas real.
Dear Markus, thank you very much for the interview and the exciting insights!
