Lauterbach’s hacker academy
Embedded systems are everywhere! Through collaboration and introspection, we challenge Lauterbach to go new ways. We have scavenged a dump for old electronics, and in teams you are to create a never-seen-before product that lives up to the following criterias: 1. it works 2. it has a function 3. all components are recycled 4. elements from surrounding nature must be included 5. nobody on the team can have same function as in their daily job.
Focus in the hacker academy is on group dynamics, individual motivations and collaboration. We will over the course of the day introduce exercises to put these to the fore, as the creation of a product the world has never seen goes through its stages.
At the end of the day, Lauterbach will have a never-seen-before product, free to take home. It is also 100% sustainable.
Session 1: What is important at work?
Values in Action. Platform for discussing the ongoing work around integrating organizational values into everyday practices. Practical exercise: End exercise discussing how upcoming building of never-seen-before product should be handled. Who does what? What are criterias for success? What parameters should behind concept & design?
Check in: During sessions, we will reflect on how well our values are being applied across teams, recognizing achievements and identifying challenges that have emerged. Common issues may include gaps between our stated values and their actual implementation, as well as resistance to change in established routines.
Focus on creating actionable solutions to move forward, such as facilitating regular check-ins, value-based workshops, and showcasing real-life examples of values in action. Additionally, we will encourage open dialogue to address concerns and ensure that all team members are aligned with our shared vision.
How: Moderated discussions in smaller groups, exercises & affirmation.
Outcome: Clarity of where we stand, possibilities of growth and next steps.
Session 2: Concept & design phase of never-seen-before product
Which take-aways from value workshop are to be included in the design and concept of never-seen-before product? Key questions: What does the chosen values demand? How do you translate those values into a physical form?
How: In bigger group setting, participants are asked to bring key findings to table. Brain storming of how what constitutes a never-seen-before product? What is feasible? What does it look like in real life? Who does what?
Outcome: Creating a vision and team-spirit for theme of day: build a never-seen-before product while respecting Lauterbach values. Exercise form basis for distribution of tasks in actual building phase.
Session 3: Lunch workshop
Value exercise: Make a sandwich with ingredients that represent your ideas of the workplace. Discuss and justify your choices of ingredients to the other group that is eating your creation.
Plenty of food will of course be provided
How: Two bigger groups practice their value-work on a sandwich.
Outcome: You get food, and practice translating values into a physical form.
Session 4 part 1: Build Lauterbach’s never-seen-before product
The process of hacking and building begins, including decision on approach. Things to consider: Is there going to be simultaneous construction of various parts? Do you want one project manager to oversee implementation of design and concept? Do you want to sketch an overall design to improve an homogeneous look?
How: Team decides approach.
Outcome: A physical representation of a never-seen-before product made from scrap, ready to take home.
Break: Feedback exercise and Tools for good Communication
A break from never-seen-before product hacking. Physical exercise, and tools for problem solving and collaboration.
In this session, we will dive into the coaching approach, where you will learn how to use simple yet powerful questions and Feedback techniques as tools for everyday problem-solving and improving understanding among team members. These techniques are designed to help you gain clarity, address challenges, and facilitate more productive conversations, ultimately aligning everyone towards shared goals.
The tools taught in this session are easy to apply and highly effective in enhancing communication, resolving issues, and promoting collaboration. Whether you’re navigating a complex problem or working to strengthen team dynamics, the coaching approach will provide you with practical, straightforward methods to achieve better outcomes and foster a more cohesive and supportive work environment.
How: Exercise in giving constructive feedback and effective communication techniques, moderated via fun physical tasks.
Outcome: Better understanding of colleagues, and new tools for engaging constructively, that can be put into practice at work.
Session 4, part 2: Hack Lauterbach’s never-seen-before product, cont.
The process of hacking continues, including work from exercise in communication skills.
How: Team carries on buidling under our guidance.
Outcome: A physical representation of a never-seen-before product made from scrap, ready to take home.
Session 5: Wrap-up and presentations of designs
All together, explain design and the decisions leading to them. What were the main design decisions, and what are they based on? Project is preserved and presented as take-home gift for teams.
How: Staged presentation and explanation of work with never-seen-before product. Moderators will ask questions and solicit team’s conclusions.
Outcome: Buy-in of process and value work of the day. Final thoughts, key learnings, and what are we willing to commit to in order to honor our values tomorrow?
Session 6: Wrap party for Lauterbach’s culture!
Wrap party: Dinner with conversation cards: Tricky questions to get a new conversation started with your seating partner. Afterwards party with DJ.
How: Food, drinks & good vibes!
Outcome: Feeling of achievement and connection with each other. Willingness to engage in our common goals.