Hyper Island Official Blog

Hyper Island Session: David Erixon

2009-10-30T09:35:00.000+01:00

David Erixon, Brand Director at Vodafone, visited Hyper Island Session on Thursday last week. David co-founded Hyper Island in 1995 as well as web agency Doberman.
During his lecture, David discussed the fragmentation of the media landscape and how traditional media channels have lost both effect and influence in a very short amount of time. David also discussed how traditional advertising has problems with reaching social networks and today's changeable consumers. Tomorrow's advertising must be based on good products and giving something fundamentally valuable to the consumer.
As an example, David showcased Vodaphone's new service Vodaphone 360, which has been developed based on these premises.

Recruitment Tour: Oslo (November 7th)

2009-10-28T09:00:00.004+01:00

Our upcoming Hyper Island Recruitment Tour is coming to Olso on November 7th - Digital Media student Casper Cornelius Roalsvig Vasbotten will be on location.

Just like with Cas, who'll be at the Recruitment Tour stop in Amsterdam, we asked Casper to answer some questions that those who are considering applying for the tour might ask themselves.

What's it like being a Hyper Island student?
I love (almost) every day at Hyper Island. And the far by best thing is all the amazing people there. The great diversity of people from so many different backgrounds, all with an hunger and urge to learn new stuff is simply priceless. I feel this really is the backbone in Hyper Island. My experience is that you learn all the time, and not just in the lectures and workshops.
But it's also important to say that it's tough. Hyper Island is not a school you can surf through. All tough there are no exams or grades, you'll probably gonna have work more than in the regular university course to get through.
However, it's no pro doing all this hard work when your surrounded by 150 amazing and inspiring co-students.

Why should I go to the Recruitment Tour?
You should go to the Recruitment Tour if you wan to have a taste of what Hyper Island is about. I also can guarantee that if you go, you'll learn and experience something new and valuable.

Isn't being interviewed scary?
I wouldn't use the word scary per-say, but definitely challenging. There's probably only one thing to say about it: you cannot prepare for it. The best thing you can do is just be your self, and be honest. That will definitely get you far.
And if you're still scared; we'll do our best to be nice. :)

I'm unsure if I have enough computer/software knowledge to go to Hyper Island. What's your advice?
No worries. There are lots of people at Hyper Island who's not computer-geeks. And you are going to Hyper Island to learn, aren't you? You really don't have to be a HTML God to go to Hyper Island.
But if you really feel that don't have enough of these skills, and still really want to go to Hyper Island, then just start to learn. Open your computer (or buy/loan/find one) and start exploring!

Top three reasons I should go to Recruitment Tour in Oslo?
1. You'll get hands on insight of what Hyper Island really is about.
2. You'll 200% for sure learn something very useful. Probably something about yourself.
3. I'm gonna be there, and I really wanna meet you!

Thank you, Casper!

Click here to apply to the Hyper Island Recruitment Tour now!

Roger Sjögren on how Hyper Island puts slogans into practice

2009-10-26T09:00:00.003+01:00

Photo: International Programme Office for Education and Training
After a presentation about Hyper Island's methodology at the International Programme Office for Education and Training's "Yrkesutbildningsdagarna" last year, Hyper Island Director of Research & Development, Roger Sjögren, talked to the Programme about how Hyper Island puts slogans into practice.

Says Roger when asked if only persons with a certain type of personality can change during the education;
"That's not my experience. We are multidimensional people. It is not about transforming a human being. It is about getting someone to review a specific situation and embrace the behaviors that are constructive. I myself am terrified of conflict but I have learned to be in conflict because I know there is a positive way to find solutions. If I go and hide myself in my room, nothing will change."

Read the interview here:
- In Swedish
- Google translated into English

Recruitment Tour: Amsterdam (November 7th)

2009-10-23T15:50:00.012+02:00

Apply to the Hyper Island Recruitment Tour at Hyper Island's Recruitment Tour is kicking off on November 7th, making stops in Amsterdam and Oslo.

Cas Lemmens, Interactive Art Director student who will be at the Recruitment Tour day in Amsterdam, answered some questions that those who are considering applying for the tour might ask themselves.

What's it like being a Hyper Island student?
Being a Hyper Island student is one of the best experiences in my life. In the three months I've been here, I learned so much about myself, how I work, how I act in groups and most of all how I can improve myself. Everyone at Hyper is really open, and can't wait to help you with problems you have. Each and every one of the student has a personal field of interest, which brings a great learning experience when you ask them for help.
And beside that you have the parties, gaming contests, daily laughs and unique experiences you'll cherish for the rest of you life.

Why should I go to the Recruitment Tour?
Because the day is just full of new experiences. First of all, you get the chance to meet really interesting people who have the same interests as you but with a different view on it. There's a lot of time to mingle with them, so by the end of the day, you go home with a bunch of new friends.
And secondly, you get a taste of how Hyper Island works, and how it is to study there. It's a small appetizer that gives you a sense of the main dish.

Is the interview scary?
It was one of the most difficult interviews I ever did actually. I didn't know what to expect, and the permanent pokerfaces didn't make it easier. But when you step out of the interview, you realize there is nothing to expect, nor to prepare. You just have to go in and be yourself.

What did you learn at your Recruitment Tour day?
The best thing about the Recruitment Tour were the other attendees. I met people from all around the world, and by the end of the day I knew a lot more about different cultures and countries. It was nice to meet those people, and you got a feeling how it would be to work in group with different cultures.

What have you learned from working with students from different countries?
It's very rewarding. You handle problems a lot more efficient since you see it from many different perspectives. And the creative process becomes a lot richer. You get inspired by stories, pictures, experiences that your friends will share. It's probably the most attractive thing of Hyper Island, in my opinion.

I'm really interested in Hyper Island, but I'm unsure if I have enough computer/software knowledge. What's your advice?
Hyper Island does not expect any great computer/software knowledge at all. They focus on group dynamics, and being a good leader. You work on several projects, every time with a different group. And the more diverse the group is, the more exciting the project will be. People who have a good computer knowledge are handy, but certainly not the only thing that is necessary. We need copywriters, actors, clothing designers, music specialists, sport fans, happy cookers, ... you name it! Any field of interest will come in handy what so ever. Be proud of what you know, it will be handled with all the respect it needs!

Top three reasons I should go to Recruitment Tour in Amsterdam?
1. You'll meet very interesting and awesome people.
2. You'll get a small taste of what Hyper Island has to offer you.
3. You'll just have a great day and a unique experience.

Thank you, Cas!

Apply to the Hyper Island Recruitment Tour at:
http://tour.hyperisland.se/

More information about the Experience Animation & Technology 2009 Exibition

2009-10-21T17:49:00.014+02:00

The students of Hyper Island are pleased to announce The Experience Animation and Technology Exhibition 2009, an exhibition of interactive and digital art.

The exhibition features the work of 120 students who are currently studying at Hyper Islands long term programs, Digital Media and Motion Graphics in the cities of Karlskrona and Stockholm.

Four weeks ago the students at Hyper Island were introduced to a new assignment.
The assignment was to get into 23 groups and create a solution that involved one or several technical components that was assigned by the school.

The components:
· Wii Remote
· Audrino
· Phidgets
· RFID
· Web-cam

The goal with the assignment was to not have the main focus on digital media and online environments. We were asked to explore an area much more likely to be new to us independently of our background.

Working with tangible technology highlights the importance of creating an experience, one of the key differences between traditional and digital media.

We have now prepared 23 different, exciting and innovative audiovisual installations on a exhibition for everyone to come and explore.
How about getting in physical contact with your distant partner by the use of a new invention. Or how about creating art in Jackson Pollocks virtual studio, both by simply using the wii remote?

Experience these installations and many more...

All students have worked hard with a strong focus on exploration and creativity to create one of the best Hyper Island Exhibitions ever.
So do not miss out on this chance to be a part of new interactive and digital art.

Since this is a big opportunity to network with industry people and potential future students we have put all effort into making this as great as possible.

Also, the best prototypes of the exhibition will be taken to London for a second exhibition after being reviewed by a school jury (exact date to be announced).

The exhibition opens on Saturday October 24th
Gallery hours: 11:00AM. to 5:00PM
Tickets: Free of charge

Address:
Telefonvägen 30
126 37 Stockholm

Subway to Telefonplan

View Larger Map

For further information please contact:
Nina Amjadi
PR - Exhibition Group
nina.amjadi@hyperisland.se
+46 (0) 73 948 80 12

Experience Animation & Technology 2009 Exibition - Saturday this week!

2009-10-19T21:34:00.004+02:00

Hyper Island's Digital Media and Motion Graphics Designer students' Experience Animation & Technology Exhibition will take place in Stockholm on Saturday, October 24th, from 11AM-5PM.

Find out more at:
http://www.eat09.se/

And check out the students' blogs:
http://www.eat09.se/blogs/

Live from Hyper Island Stockholm

2009-10-13T18:47:00.003+02:00

Photo: Waldemar Wegelin, Interactive Art Director 2010 Stockholm

Right now at Hyper Island: Interactive Art Director students' blog

2009-10-12T15:45:00.001+02:00

Interactive Art Director 2010 Stockholm student group Lap of Luxury consists of Swedes Kenneth Larsen, Simon Schlyter, Maira Serra from Spain, and Sougwen Chung from Canada.

The group is currently working on cutting-edge social media concepts for furniture giant, IKEA.
To follow the group's progress as well as daily task challenges as a group, such as the video below, visit:
http://lapofluxury.tumblr.com/ - or follow them on Twitter.

Apply to Hyper Island's Recruitment Tour 2009/2010

2009-10-09T12:20:00.009+02:00

For the third year in a row Hyper Island will go on a unique World Recruitment Tour during the end of 2009 and early 2010.

Apply here:
http://tour.hyperisland.se

Together with current Hyper Island students, parts of our staff will tour the world visiting the cities cited below. In doing so we're hoping to meet up with creative people who are interested in becoming Hyper Island Diploma Program students in the fall of 2010.

November
Amsterdam: 7
Oslo: 7
Sao Paolo: 14
Barcelona: 14
New York: 21
London: 28

December
Stockholm: 5

January
Stockholm: 16
London: 23
Amsterdam: 30

February
Barcelona: 8
Oslo: 13
New York: 20
Stockholm: 27

March
Berlin: 6
Stockholm: 20

April
Stockholm: 17

To visit the Recruitment Tour in a city near you, apply now!
http://tour.hyperisland.se

Applying to the Recruitment Tour is your one and only chance to get accepted to the Diploma Programs at Hyper Island; considered to be one of the best digital media schools in the world! We have exactly 100 seats for the 2010 Diploma Programs, which means there will be competition.

A recruitment day takes approximately 10 hours and consists of:
· A personal interview.
· Meetings Hyper Island students and staff.
· An individual creative task.
· A team assignment.

You can apply to the following Hyper Island Diploma Programs:
· Interactive Art Director, Stockholm (1 year)
· Digital Media, Stockholm (2 years)
· Digital Media, Karlskrona (2 years)

In conclusion, Hyper Island is all about:
· Active participation and learning by experiencing, doing and reflecting.
· Trial and error. Mistakes are often the strongest learning experience.
· Working and progressing as an individual, and as part of a team.
· Using interactive media as a tool for implementing change and improvement.
· Guidance in self-perception and the power of group dynamics.
· Real clients, real needs - real learning.

For more detailed information, regarding Hyper Island, the Recruitment Tour and how to apply, please visit:
http://tour.hyperisland.se

"This is miles away from boring interviews, or competitive sessions where you have to beat others. The recruitment day was a small slice of what Hyper Island really is; an unexpected and pleasant surprise, every day"
--Xavier Feliu, Spain, Digital Media student at Hyper Island

A Day in a Life of Tomorrow

2009-10-07T14:00:00.002+02:00

Hyper Island Interactive Art Director students Anna Lundqvist, Ahmed Shaker, Daniel Kullberg, Gabriella Evelina Britth, Maira Serra and Sveinung Skaalnes created a presentation with a glimpse into the future of digital advertising, just like a group of students we've blogged about before.

Click on the image below to see the group's presentation:

The team interviewed industry people at DesignWeek, Firstborn, JWT, Kessleskramer, Naked, University of Vic, W+K as well as Tomas Nihlén of Urban Lifestyle - click here to read Tomas' answers.

Congratulations Waldemar, Nathan and Robbin!

2009-10-05T14:42:00.017+02:00

Congratulations to Interactive Art Director 2010 Stockholm students Waldemar Wegelin, Nathan Ross and Robbin Ingvarsson for winning Tribal DDB and Lipton's Digital Days Creative Contest!

The three went to Paris last week to present their idea and work in front of the Tribal DDB team and Garth Woolley, the global brand manager of Lipton.

How did you end up working together?
We (Robbin & Waldemar) worked together in a previous school project. We enjoyed that, so when we got the brief from Tribal DDB and Lipton it felt natural to continue with our collaboration. Nathan joined in as the missing piece and our group was formed.

How come you submitted to the contest in the first place?
The brief arrived immediately after our second module where our very inspiring project leader Henrik (kudos!) armed us with tools for generating and developing ideas. This challenge looked like a perfect opportunity to practice and use those toy on our own. And obviously we were excited about having the chance for a trip to Paris.

What was the brief about?
It was about finding a solution that would connect Lipton Ice Tea and their message "Drink Positive" with its audience. The criteria was that it would have to be innovative; something that simply could not have been possibly five years ago.

What's your concept about?
We call it the "Smile Experiment", basically it's about bringing the Lipton Ice Tea message to life and connecting it to Lipton's target audience in a really cool way. Think emotional browsing... for the moment though we can't give away too much information because we're Tribal DDB and Lipton are looking for a way to produce our idea.

What if you win?
We did win! We went to Paris thursday morning and presented to the client, Tribal DDB and a bunch of other people visiting the Digital Days. The client loved it and we've received nothing but praise from everyone involved. Bringing our idea to life will initially mean a lot of planning and testing on behalf of Lipton and Tribal DDB. For us, this means that we not only won a competition and a piece for our portfolio – but also a chance to get our idea produced. Maybe even more trips to Paris or London, fingers crossed.

Any new learnings?
Lots! First of all about the work progress and the great value of having tools and structure for generating ideas. Secondly that don't settle for an idea before you get that special butterfly feeling in your stomach. We generated a couple of hundred ideas, lots of bad ones and about three "good enough" and in the end this one that filled our criterias of being both great and innovative. For the presentation we created a case movie. Despite of being a bit persuasive the movie also made us think ahead and plan exactly what we we're gonna say to whom. We ended up rewriting the script a couple of times and each time made the idea and our common understanding of the possibilities even greater.

Feature dreams, where would you like to end up?
Answering this questions while sipping a cappuccino next to the impressive Notre Dame, it's tempting to say Paris. But honestly, time will tell. It's not so much about a certain place in the world as about finding a nice atmosphere with values focused on creating idea driven work. Nathan is excited about Japan as a place to work, we are still spinning the globe.

Thank you Robbin, Wal and Nathan!
________________________________________________

Congratulations also to the following students whose projects made it to the final stages of the contest:
Azin Ashourvan
Gro Larsson
Lasse Korsgaard
Jone Eskilsson
Minna Johans
Magnus Karlsson
Alexander Kristensen

"Creativity brings innovation to the UK economy"

2009-10-02T13:27:00.001+02:00

Says an article by Birmingham Post.

"Universities like Birmingham City University have the opportunity to enhance skill development and focus on ambition and vocation. The recent announcement from the university, in collaboration with Advantage West Midlands, to launch Hyper Island is a welcome one. This initiative will stimulate new thinking and transfer knowledge to potential entrepreneurs of the future."

Read the entire article at Birmingham Post!

Read more about Hyper Island's Accidental Leaders Programme UK!

Mattias Hansson at Advertising Week in NYC

2009-09-29T14:11:00.021+02:00

From left: Darren McCormick, Mattias Hansson, Jeff Benjamin, Scott Belsky and moderator David Michel-Davis
Hyper Island CEO Mattias Hansson was on a panel discussing the Digital Talent and Leadership Dilemma during 2009's Advertising Week in New York City.

Together with a panel consisting of:
Darren McCormick, Digital Agency Cultural Lead, Microsoft
Jeff Benjamin, VP, Interactive Creative Director, CP+B
Scott Belsky, Founder/CEO, Behance
Mattias offered his perspective on if a change needs to happen in the way we educate the digital leaders of the future. The panelists also discussed what they are doing about it and what must be done as an industry to find and develop the thought leaders of the future.

An excerpt from Boards Magazine's capture of the discussion:
"Asked by moderator Webby Awards executive director David Michel-Davis whether there was a lack of talent, the speakers agreed the problem was not talent per se, but rather finding it.
(...)
When Michel-Davis asked where the most demand for his students came from, Hansson was quick to answer: 'The most need [for our students] is from agency networks,' said Hansson, 'but it's not where they want to go.'

Hyper Island, which does not follow a formal curriculum, encourages its students to find their own voice by taking up creative pursuits outside the school's walls, a practice that, he intimated, is not always fostered at agencies.

Hansson added that many agencies try to resolve the digital brain-drain by simply parachuting in digital talent in a bid to magically effect change. Those types of hires are frustrating turn-offs for young graduates, especially if the agency does not also devote resources to retraining existing staff."

Click here to read the rest of the Boards Magazine article!

Right now at Hyper Island

2009-09-29T13:19:00.006+02:00

Photo: Stefan Leijon, Digital Media 2011 Stockholm
The Digital Media and Interactive Art Director students in Stockholm are listening to a lecture about the zone between art, technology and biology by Lucy McRae.

Digital Media 2010 Karlskrona student's NYC video

2009-09-28T08:00:00.011+02:00

Digital Media 2010 Karlskrona student Frederico Philips is currently doing his internship at Tronic in New York City. Below is a video he's made during his time in NYC:

Web Designer interview with Digital Media 2010 Stockholm student

2009-09-25T09:00:00.004+02:00

Digital Media 2010 Stockholm student Sanna Wickman tells Web Designer Magazine about her class' promotion site 53 Colors.

Says Sanna; "To get attention by the digital media industry it just isn’t enough to shout as loud as you can, you have to have something important to say and say it in a creative way. (...) The challenge for us as students was also to find that exact tone of voice that is suited for our target audience; the industry, and to be present not only on our own site but also where the industry already is: in social media and forums that they visit every day.

The short term benefits is that the project gives all of the students a chance to be exposed and promoted in the industry, so that we more easily can get internships and get to know the industry and the people within it. The long term benefit is that we through the process learn about marketing and promotion, by actually doing it! We learn the tools of branding, strategy, and public relations, which will be useful throughout our coming careers."

Click here to read the rest of the interview!

Hyper Island graduate wins MTV VMA

2009-09-23T09:00:00.024+02:00

Hyper Island Digital Media 2008 graduate Markus Lundqvist and his colleagues at Chimney Pot just won an MTV Video Music Award for Best Special Effects for Lady Gaga "Paparazzi".

What were your first thoughts when you found out you'd won an MTV Video Music Award?
I was proud for all of us at The Chimney Pot working on the project. It was good milestone :).
Great that Chimney got some direct international attention for all the music video work we've been doing for so many years. Often the people actually making the video are forgotten in the public eye.

What was the most interesting aspect of working on the project?
The most interesting aspect of working with the video is of course the client, Lady Gaga. You know that when it leaves the house it's going to be seen by millions and there's not really room for failing.
We did the VFX, look and graphical design at Chimney but the video wouldn't be that great without excellent work from everyone else in the production.

What's it like working with Jonas Åkerlund?
Jonas is a great guy to work with and easy to talk to. He usually has quite a good idea of what he wants but we often try new things and give input on how to make things even better.
We have been working for years with him at The Chimney Pot so the trust between us is quite strong when it comes to make the film as good as possible.
Still it requires loads of hard work and all the extra time you can put into the shots. Often that means weekends and long days. We usually work until 5 minutes before deadline because all the extra bits and pieces you can push yourself to do makes the video better.

What other projects have you worked on at Chimney Pot?
I have worked with artists like Pink, Lady Gaga, Animal Kingdom, Madonna, Rammstein, Dizzee Rascal and more.
In terms of commercials the latest clients has been Alecta, Mercedes, Tele2, McDonalds, H&M, Unibet and Boxer.
Also I've done a bunch of shots for recently Swedish feature films such as Wallander & Falk.

What advice do you have for those who dream of working with VFX?
Learn everything you possibly can but don't get hung up on software.
It's not the software that will make you a good VFX artist, they are all just tools and nothing else. Still If I would point out one program you should learn it would be Nuke.
Keep yourself updated what's happening in the industry and new technology.
Get a long-term internship or a nightjob at a VFX house to be able to work on some big projects and build up a good showreel.
Don't be afraid to call companies and offer extra help.
Prepare to work long and hard :).

How has what you learned at Hyper Island helped you in your career?
To take on projects even if you don't know directly how to solve them even if it means working 24/7.
Since I'm working as VFX / Autodesk Flame artist most of my time is with a client/director in the same room and Hyper Island really improves your social and communication skills.

Click below to view some of the projects Markus has worked on:
· Lady Gaga "Paparazzi"
· Dizzee Rascal "Bonkers"
· H&M Summer 2009 Matthew Williamson
· H&M Christmas 2008 Most fashionable gifts
· Unibet Play

Thank you, Markus!

This week is Motion week for Digital Media

2009-09-21T13:35:00.012+02:00

Here's Digital Media 2011 Stockholm - looks sponsored, but isn't:

For more snapshots from Hyper Island - follow us on Twitter!

Hyper Island student workshop: Programming

2009-09-21T11:08:00.009+02:00

Several Hyper Island students have initiated their own workshops recently. Below you can view a presentation about programming, conducted by Interactive Art Director student Cas Lemmens:

Part 1 (the presentation starts approximately 9 minutes into the video):

Part 2:

Looking forward to sharing additional student lectures and workshops!

Catching up with Interactive Art Director 2010 students

2009-09-18T07:00:00.009+02:00

We were curious to find out what the Hyper Island Interactive Art Director 2010 students have experienced since beginning the program in August this year. Here's what four of the students had to say:

Paula Kreuger from Brazil

How did you find Hyper Island?
Google and destiny. :) I was searching for inspiration last January, and I found the DM09 website. At that time I had no idea about what Hyper Island was, but I was very curious, so I went to the Hyper Island's web page and the more I read about the school and the programs, the more I felt I had to be a part of it. I don't regret my choice at all, I'm loving the Hyper Island experience.

What's been your two biggest learning experiences so far?
There is a continuous learning experience about how to work with groups. This experience is so great because it is useful not only within the Digital Media world, but you can apply in whatever group you are part of. We learn a lot about ourselves and others, become more tolerant with differences and start to see them as a positive aspects of life. Our class is based upon diversity, and that is a great learning experience: people from different countries, cultures, ages and backgrounds, sharing their knowledge and life experiences. More than interacting with technology, we learn how to interact with people, and that is something very valuable.

What was the first module about? What did you learn?
The first module was about understanding group behaviour and leadership, and how to build teams. It's a deep experience, since it is based upon a lot of reflection and feedback and this is something that we usually don't learn at school, at least in Brazil, where I come from. I became more aware of my attitudes, enhanced my perception of how other people behave and became more tolerant. I also learned how to give and receive feedback, not avoiding conflicts but actually learning how to deal with them, which is definitely not something easy to do but extremely important.

What's the new module about and what's your group working on?
We have a great client for this module, a really challenging one: IKEA. In the next 7 weeks we will be working full time in order to find an interactive and digital solution that can attract more people to IKEA's stores. This is great, since the company is successful, open-minded and global. How to take something great to the next level? We shall find out the answer to this question by the end of the module.

Most exciting thing at Hyper Island this week?
Hyper Island has always something exciting happening, whether it is coming from the staff or the students. :) For example, this week we started with workshops, organized by the students who are experts in a certain field and are willing to share their knowledge with the rest of the school. We have no teachers, no books, no homework, so this is a great opportunity to try something new and take the initiative to teach, to research more about what you love to do or always wanted to know about, to improve presentation skills, share and raise the good vibe among the students and of course, have fun! This week, we had workshops about Programming, HTML and CSS, Processing and a lot more are scheduled for the coming weeks.

Cas Lemmens from Belgium

How did you find Hyper Island?
My dad's company worked together with some students from Hyper Island. So he gave me the link.

What were your expectations before beginning the Interactive Art Director program?
I was really looking forward to work with passioned people, people who lived for digital media like me. And besides that I had really high expectations on the lectures we would get, and the study methodology Hyper would have.

What was the first module about? What did you learn?
In the first module, we researched the current digital industry and tried to make a vision of the future. It was something I wanted to do for a long time, and finally gathering all the information I've been researching in the passed few years together with the research of the other group members, really gave our group good insights. It became clear you had to do this almost every year, so you could keep track of the trends, and keep in my mind what really is the future.

What's the new module about and what's your group working on?
In the second module we have to come up with a new idea for Ikea on how that can improve their services in the future. We're still in an early process and figuring out the bits and pieces. At this moment, we're doing research, learning more about Ikea, the company, the future, the competitors and their marketing in order to find holes or malfunctions where we can work on.

What's been your two biggest learning experiences so far?
The first one was the UGL. It made me realize reflection and feedback are really important when it comes to working in a team. And besides that I got to know myself a lot better.
The second one was the first task we had: the research task. I worked together with really interesting people who taught me to expand my boundaries and think further than I normally do. I made me smarter in some kind of way...

Most exciting thing at Hyper Island this week?
I think that would be the workshops that are going on. I gave mine yesterday, and was really pleased with the result. And I'm curious about the coming workshops since it will handle the material I've been wanting to learn since long.

What do you think you can learn from your classmates?
A better question would be: what can I not learn! The people here are great, they all have their experience, knowledge and own interest. I haven't met anyone yet who couldn't give me an interesting talk. I think the best thing you learn from your co-students, is the fact that you'll see a solution from different angles, which helps a lot!

Sougwen Chung from Canada, pictured with the rest of the LapOfLuxury™ group

How did you find Hyper Island?
I found Hyper Island after watching an animated flash self-promotion video by one of the Digital Media students in the previous crews. I think that was about 7 years ago. I was excited to come here after I attended their recruitment tour 2 years ago, I recommend the experience.

What were your expectations before beginning the Interactive Art Director program?
I wasn't sure what to expect, actually. I described it to people as "a digital experiment: what would happen if you stuck x-number of creatives in a room for a year and had them make a handful of amazing projects."

What did you learn during the first module?
The first module included the UGL course. It was helpful in gathering insights about self vs self, self vs group, and the Collective Experience. I wrote about it here.

What's the new module about and what's your group working on?
The current module revolves around 7 weeks of ideation for furniture giant, Ikea. In addition to conjuring up some forward-thinking and fun ideas for the brand, our group is making creative "webisodes" (web+episodes) documenting the process of working together. Check out the teaser and the first episode of our show, LapOfLuxury™ here or follow our daily progress on our website here.

Most exciting thing at Hyper Island this week?
Aside from LapOfLuxury™, I'm probably most excited about all the wonderfully executed programming workshops by some of the Hyper Island students. Today we cover the Processing language, I'm looking forward to it.

What do you think you can learn from your classmates?
Aside from learning skills, I'm looking forward to the discovery process of what I can learn over the next few months.

Thomas Björk from Sweden

How did you find Hyper Island?
I heard about it a few years ago, that it was a really good education, but I never really understood what they where doing. Last year a friend of mine went here and I heard from him what they did and how they did it.
I went to a few "Open Houses" and got really impressed.

What's been your biggest learning experience so far?
Importance to actually practice how to work in groups. It's hard sometimes, but the only way to master it is to practice.

What did you learn during the first module?
I learned so much about myself. And how people around me see my actions. To change my own behaviour I need people around me to tell me what I do.

What's the new module about and what's your group working on?
We are working on a new way for Ikea to communicate with their customers.

Most exciting thing at Hyper Island this week?
When Mary got lost at IKEA and Fatih had to call her on the speaker system. Hilarious!

What do you think you can learn from your classmates?
If I have a question I ask the classmate with best knowledge about it. Almost whatever I ask them about, we are so many people with different backgrounds and knowledge.
More important, I learn about myself by receiving instant feedback all the time!

Thank you all! Can't wait to see what your groups come up with for this module.

Anders Sjöstedt is Hyper Island's new representative in New York City

2009-09-16T13:07:00.012+02:00

Hyper Island is proud to announce that Anders Sjöstedt will be representing Hyper Island in New York City.

Up until recently Anders has been in charge of Sweden's largest cubator "Minc" and he’s also been running the management consultancy "YalaYala" in Copenhagen. Anders works as a writer and is frequently hired as speaker on the subjects innovation and growth around in Sweden. He also holds the position as director of "Swedish Creative Industries".

Starting September 14th this year, Anders will be responsible for all Hyper Island activities in New York City.

"This means that we’ll be able to work really close with what looks like the next big Hyper Island branch. The presence of Anders in NYC will help to keep our service level high in the city of cities", says Hyper Island CEO, Mattias Hansson.

Hyper Island already has a partner in the US; the new education effort Boulder Digital Works at The University of Colorado.
Read more here: http://bdw.colorado.edu

Hyper Island students have chosen to go to the US for internships and to work at agencies for more than 14 years now.

"In many ways, Hyper Island has a stronger brand in New York than in Sweden. The fight to succeed in the world's most important market will be a challenge, but many doors are already open for us here", says Anders Sjöstedt.

The first education effort for Hyper Island in NYC will be a Hyper Island Master Class for Executives together with the One Club on October 15th - 17th, 2009.
Read more here:
http://masterclasses.oneshow.org

For more information, please contact Anders Sjöstedt:
anders.sjostedt@hyperisland.se
+1 917 981 0302

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Hi Anders! What's your view on Hyper Island and why did you choose to get involved?
Hyper Island has an aim to be the best in the world at what you do, you constantly improve yourselves and the brand is very strong internationally. To be involved in such a context is always great. I was trained at The KaosPilots, a Danish management school, and their way of challenging students is very similar to how Hyper Island works. I feel at home!

How's the business climate in NYC right now?
Everybody always struggles in New York, whether the threat is competition or recession, but the current situation leaves space for new solutions. Most people tell me that they have just as much work as before, maybe even more, but that they are asked to come up with more clever and less costly solutions. That requires creative skill, which is good for every city.

Why is there a need for Hyper Island in NYC?
Despite what one might think, most training in the US, even on advanced levels, is very traditional. The teachers talk and show, the class listens and copies. All training at Hyper Island aims at boosting individual skills, which requires teamwork, hard-core client cases and a focus on the participant's personal goals. This makes Hyper Island unique.

Where can those interested visit Hyper Island in NYC?
We're scouting for a location for the new school. Until that is settled, you can meet us at The One Club on East 26 Street. Me, you can usually find daytime at 11th Street Café, evenings at the free tennis courts on Essex street and nights at Joseph Leonard on Waverly.

Anders moved to New York in February 2009 because it's the best city in the world. When he doesn't work for Hyper Island, he tries to improve his tennis skills, consults the cotton industry on Barbados and checks out his B&B in Spain. He's a proud Aquarian, speaks six languages and has a very cute boyfriend.

Student Work: Interactive Art Director 2010 student group

2009-09-14T07:34:00.003+02:00

One of the Interactive Art Director 2010 student groups present a glimpse into the future of digital advertising:

What are people saying about Hyper Island on Twitter?

2009-09-04T08:05:00.004+02:00

Click here to find out, and here for more!

Young Leaders Visitors Program participant tells us about his experience

2009-09-02T08:43:00.002+02:00

In May 2009, Hyper Island and the Swedish Institute for a second round of the Young Leaders Visitors Program. Participants from eight Arab countries and Sweden were invited to to learn certain leadership and organizational skills, and how to use social media tools to advance social change.

One of the participants, Mohammad Azraq, has written about his experience at Global Voices Online - click here to find out what he and other participants had to say.

Click here to view a video presentation about the program, featuring Hyper Island's Roger Sjögren and Åsa Silfverberg.

Hyper Island students find out about the future of digital work

2009-09-01T16:57:00.010+02:00

Hyper Island students have reached out to some of the leading digital agencies in Sweden and abroad with questions about the future of digital work. Check out some of the answers from agencies below:
· Iain Tait, Partner at Poke
· Walter Naeslund, CEO at Honesty
· Joakim Jardenberg, CEO at Mindpark (scroll for English)

And from last year;
· Rick Webb, Co-founder & COO, Barbarian Group