From Theory to Practice | Field Trip to Volvox Labs
Walking into Volvox Labs felt like stepping into a living experiment, a place where art, technology, and nature constantly interact. As part of the Thesis Development course in the MFA Interaction Design program at SVA, our visit to this Brooklyn-based new media lab was more than just a field trip. It was an invitation to see how ideas can transform into tangible, singular experiences.
Volvox Labs is a creative studio that blends the physical and digital worlds. Their team combines light, motion, code, and physical materials to create installations that inspire movement and connection. From responsive sculptures and immersive environments to large-scale digital works, all of the projects that Volvox Labs creates demonstrate curiosity, craft, and care.
During our visit, Michael Schneider, CEO and Director of Media Architecture at Volvox Labs, shared how each project begins, how ideas are tested, and how the team brings them to life. His talk revealed how experimentation, research, and iteration are at the heart of every design.
At MFA Interaction Design, the Thesis Development course is a key component of the program. It is where students begin shaping the ideas that will become their final thesis projects. The class pushes each student to dig deep: to find a personal interest and use it as a jumping-off point to ask new questions, iterate, and test out ideas.
However, developing a thesis is not just about research or writing. It is about learning how to turn abstract thoughts into something tangible, such as a prototype or an experience. That is exactly why visiting Volvox Labs was so meaningful. The studio is a real-life example of what happens when design thinking meets hands-on making.
As designers, this was exciting to see: The ideas we discuss in class include systems thinking, prototyping, and iteration, right there in front of us. Volvox Labs' process showed that technology does not have to replace artistry; it has the potential to enhance it.
At Volvox, designers start with curiosity, asking questions, building quick tests, and learning through trial and error. They do not avoid uncertainty, they embrace it. For many of us, this was a mindset shift. The thesis process can feel overwhelming; it feels as if you are expected to define a strong idea, conduct in-depth research, and demonstrate its value. Seeing professionals at Volvox Labs work with such openness reminded us that design is not always a linear process.
There was a particular moment that stuck with everyone. During his presentation, Michael said:
"Technology is our living cultural medium."
That sentence summed up everything Volvox Labs stands for, and reframed how we think about design. Technology is not separate from us, it is part of our culture—an evolving expression of how we connect and what we value.
For Issa Abu Aita, a second-year student, that quote sparked a breakthrough for his thesis. His project examines how technology influences the relationships between children and parents in today's digital world. Inspired by Volvox Labs' philosophy, Issa began to see technology not just as a tool, but as a bridge, something that can bring people closer together.
"I realized that if technology reflects our culture, then we can design it to nurture the kind of culture we want, one that helps people connect."
-Issa Abu Aita
The visit to Volvox Labs reminded us that interaction design is about more than pixels or screens, it is about experiences that move people. It taught us that creativity lives in the process: asking questions, experimenting, failing, and trying again.
As we continue our thesis development journey, the lessons from Volvox Labs guide us to remain curious, make bold choices, and design with passion and heart.