IFD → Education
Power used
2.76W
Battery status
60%
Power generated
30.15W

The Interface Design chair at Bauhaus University Weimar is taking an innovative step toward sustainable digital practices by launching a solar-powered website. This new initiative draws its energy from a small balcony solar power system—known in Germany as a Balkonkraftwerk—installed on the university campus. The setup provides a limited but sufficient amount of energy to run the website during daylight hours, depending on weather conditions.

The project is not just about technology; it’s a statement. By powering the site with renewable energy, the institute aims to raise awareness about the often-overlooked environmental impact of digital infrastructure. Websites, apps, and online services consume significant amounts of electricity, much of which is still generated by fossil fuels. Through this experiment, the Interface Design Institute wants to highlight the growing energy footprint of the internet and encourage more sustainable thinking in web design.

Visitors to the site can view real-time information about its energy status—whether it is online thanks to solar power or temporarily offline due to lack of sun. This dynamic experience helps users reflect on their own digital habits and the invisible resources behind every click.

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Education

Applications for bachelor's and master's theses are accepted on an ongoing basis. For master's and bachelor's theses, you are free to propose your own topic or work on the semester topic offered. Please also take a look at the research focus areas of the professorship. We request a portfolio in PDF format (max. 10 MB). Please send your application by email to ifd@gestaltung.uni-weimar.de. The contact person for applications, procedures, and other thesis-related matters is Jesus Velazquez Rodriguez.  We look forward to receiving your application!

Liste mit Abschlussarbeiten
https://www.uni-weimar.de/de/kunst-und-gestaltung/professuren/interface-design/theses/