Function + Handling

Profmobil-website University of the Arts Bremen

Bremen's new landmark of science

The task was to create a mobile forum for professors from Bremen; a mobile lecture podium that would allow professors and their assistants to present scientific contributions to Bremen residents in order to enhance public interest in the University of Bremen.

Within a period of nine weeks we developed - in time for the Profmobil's first appearance at the Bremen Science Day - a kind of modern Rickshaw that can be manually converted to a lecture platform.

The speaker is provided with an integrated LCD monitor and a microphone, both of which he can swiftly connect to his laptop to present his speech.

Functionality
The Profmobil offers two operation modes. While in drive mode the integrated panel is folded over to the inside. The mobile can then be used as a rickshaw in everyday traffic. Before a lecture, the console is opened with a few simple motions, offering a comfortable work surface, including the laptop connection: a secure foundation even for the less experienced lecturers.

Besides its functionality, the aspect of comfort is also significant: accessibility, transparency, and technical competence, a congenial environment for every lecturer. Through the symbolic gesture of "opening", the particular topic is developed for the audience. Four supporting legs provide stability and promote a self-confident appearance.

The curved roof not only serves for protection and filtering purposes, but also acts as a visual exclamation mark.

Handling
The lectern offers room for a laptop computer plus additional documents; ports for microphone, audio, video and VGA input are available, thus allowing playback of basically all common media types via loudspeakers and monitor.

Still, the panel is laid out practically and is easy to use.

Not to forget…

We would like to thank Bremer Marketing, who presented their request to the Bremen Hochschule. Additionally, we would like to thank the Schlütter metal workshop for their excellent work and hours of overtime and support.

During the spring of 2004 several students of Professor Nick Hafermaas (consisting of: Jens Schulz, Silke Nachtigahl, Alexander Hanowski and Rasmus Giesel) were pleased to receive the "iF design Award" for concept.

Prof. Nick Hafermaas