My Dream World: Innovative Tools for Youth Inclusion

The My Dream World project was designed as a tool for young people to create their own services and visualise their ideal environment. It utilised service design and artistic methods to enhance the involvement and inclusion of young individuals in Namibia and South Africa through innovative service design tools. Service design is an emerging approach that prioritises the customer’s experience when developing new services. This project specifically focused on identifying solutions that prevent exclusion and promote the health and well-being of young people. The goal was to elevate their voices in the development process while collaborating with partners, including the Ombetja Yehinga Organisation in Namibia, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (Faculty of Design and Informatics) in South Africa, the Polytechnic of Namibia, RLabs in Namibia, and the South African San Institute. Participatory tools were employed to enhance social equity in underprivileged and remote regions. The project included several exhibitions: “My Dream World: Nuorten unelmia muotoilemassa,” held from April 17 to May 11, 2014, at Arktikum in Rovaniemi, Finland; “My Dream World: Constructing a Service Prototype,” from August 10 to 23, 2014, at The Attic in Cape Town, South Africa; and a showcase at Helina Rautavaara Museum from March 4 to 31, 2015, in Espoo, Finland. Additionally, several research papers documenting the project were published.

My Dream World: Nuorten unelmia muotoilemassa Arktikum, Rovaniemi 17.4.-11.5.2014, My Dream World: Constructing a service prototype the Attic, Cape Town, South Africa 10.-23.8.2014 and Helina Rautavaaran museo Espoo, Finland 4.-31.3. 2015

Related research: Sarantou, M., Kontio, T., & Miettinen, S. (2018). The Hero’s Journey: An art-based method in social design . Research in Arts and Education, 2018(3), 129-149. https://doi.org/10.54916/rae.118863

Related research: Miettinen, S., Kontio, T. and Huhtamaa, I. 2016. Sosiaalisen muutoksen muotoilua taiteen keinoin – sankarinmatkoja afrikkalaisten nuorten kanssa. Ruukku. Taiteellisen tutkimuksen kausijulkaisu. Vol. 6 https://www.researchcatalogue.net/view/261804/261805

Bioart Exhibition: Nature Reimagined at Finland’s Embassy

The exhibition "Reimagining Nature: Bioart from the North," opening December 4, 2025, at the Embassy of Finland in Windhoek, features artist-researchers from the University of Lapland. It explores the intersection of bioart, design, and science, focusing on Arctic nature and organic materials, while highlighting themes of collaboration between disciplines and species.

Embrace Nature: A Mixed-Media Exhibition

The exhibition explores the connection between humans and nature, envisioning a world where people are hybrids with plants, influenced by Finnish folklore. It features five mixed-media photographic prints and two augmented reality installations, offering an interactive experience with the artist's narratives. The event runs from September 22 to October 10, 2025.

Exploring Human-Trees Connections in Arctic Landscapes

The images depict individuals symbolizing a birch grove, highlighting the interconnectedness of humans with nature. New materialist philosophy suggests our existence relies on this relationship. The piece encourages reflection on how to restore our bond with trees and learn from them, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the more-than-human world.

Experiencing Forest Bathing in Pyhä-Luosto

Blueberries stain hands and clothes, creating a vivid atmosphere in a mossy terrain that encourages relaxation. The forest, rich in life, highlights the interconnectedness of species, fostering multi-species meditation and placemaking. An upcoming exhibition at Gallery Kopio will explore these themes and their relation to a post-growth economy.

Creative Work: Transforming Hotel Rooms into Art Studios

In spring 2024, the author traveled to Ireland, Copenhagen, and London for work, exploring creative industries and participating in a doctoral defense. The accompanying images reflect how hotel rooms serve as creative spaces, capturing outdoor scenes and self-portraits. The project features augmented reality elements, exhibited at Valo Gallery later in 2024.

Behind the Scenes of Tuuliluleima Documentary

"The Making of Tuuliluleima" is a short documentary that highlights the collaborative creation of a design fiction film aimed at aiding entrepreneurs in strategic foresight. It showcases storytelling, worldbuilding, and design methodologies to explore potential futures. The film won an Award of Recognition at the IndieFEST Film Awards 2024, emphasizing innovative business strategies.

Innovative Placemaking in North Meets South Exhibition

The North Meets South photo exhibition explores placemaking through a union of northern and southern landscapes. Featuring images and augmented reality, it emphasizes artistic expression and emotional depth. Funded by Business Finland, the project integrates digital solutions in service design. The exhibition runs from January to August 2024 in Finland and Japan.

The Legacy of Family Traces in Art

The exhibition "The Trace of a Man" features 16 artists from the Faculty of Arts, exploring the concept of human traces in art. Curated by Aira Huovinen, each artist presents up to six works, reflecting personal and historical connections. Themes of inheritance and memory are highlighted, particularly through photography portraying parental imprints.

Satu Miettinen

Professor of Service Design. Artist. Keynote.

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