Talk proposal: Hacking meaningful connections with humans by talking to (toy) rodents

[traumverloren]

Hi friends! I'd love to bring my cyborg hamster friends back out for some human interaction at a future QueerJS meetup. Unfortunately I can't make the meetup next week in Berlin, but please do consider me for the next one in Berlin 🙏 ✨ I gave this talk at Future Frontend in Helsinki in June and it was a hit.

Talk title

Hacking meaningful connections with humans by talking to (toy) rodents

Abstract

Building weird little hardware projects has provided a space for me to feel technically competent for most of my career when I have felt like an imposter. After being diagnosed with ADHD last year, I realized that hacking on hardware has always been a sanctuary to explore my social awkwardness. I’ve been experimenting to find out if I can transform unexpected & impractical objects into input devices that lower my barriers to sustaining meaningful connections with others.

In this talk, I’ll share my journey of building two explorations so far: a giant soft pompom that sends AI-generated motivational but esoteric art when it’s hugged & toy hamsters that I chat with & send voice messages (in a high-pitched, but oddly therapeutic voice) to my long-distance partner. Whether you’re neurodivergent or not, I hope to inspire you to start a project even if you feel intimidated by the technical details and find joy in the journey rather than the destination.

Your name (and pronouns)

Stephanie Nemeth (she/her)

Location

Berlin 🇩🇪

Contact Details

• @traumverloren
• https://mastodon.social/@steph
• https://stephaniecodes.bsky.social/
• https://twitter.com/stephaniecodes (not active)

Code of Conduct

• I've read and agree to the QueerJS Code of Conduct

[SaraVieira]

Omg I love this! We will definitely message you!