Talks & Workshops
“Each one - Teach one”
Talks & Workshops
“Each one - Teach one”
WELCOME
Welcome to the crossroads of culture, innovation and society. I am a passionate advocate and speaker on the transformative power of creative technologies, and the unique responsibility our generation has to choose its future path towards the greatest good for all of humanity.
Creative technologies are a multidisciplinary field. Most of my talks/workshops naturally touch on various interrelated topics. To help you finding the relevant ones I’ve organized them around couple of major themes. Delve in, get inspired and shape the future!
Creative Technologies
Surfing The Revolution
Origins of Culture & Technology
Analog to Digital to Immersive
Internet vs Metaverse
Intro To Creative Tech - Training Program
Commercial Applications
Cutting-edge Website Trends
AR for Brands
UX & Management for Innovative Projects
Business Leadership & Culture
The Entrepreneurial Journey
Human-centered Leadership & Culture
Professional Mindset
Tech Innovation & Startups
For NGOs and educational institutions I offer my workshops free of charge.
For bookings and any other inquiries please email to: andor.merks@gmail.com
Creative Technology
origins · present · future
Creative Technology
origins · present · future
Surfing The Revolution Understand and utilize the latest creative-tech trends!
Dive into the heart of innovation with a comprehensive workshop designed to navigate the exhilarating wave of creative technologies shaping our world. As we stand on the brink of a digital renaissance, it's more vital than ever to differentiate between over-hyped trends and transformative tools. This workshop offers an in-depth exploration of the impactful technologies at the forefront of this era: XR, Generative AI, Metaverse, Blockchain.
This is an introductory workshop for students and the general public. There are dedicated workshops in the latter sections for professionals: designers, marketers and artists.
Origins of Culture & Technology
As culture, society and technology merge into one interconnected reality it’s time to ask the question: how did it all start? Why did we, as a species, start to develop culture and invent new technologies? What were the original motivations behind our ancestors' first artistic expressions, community formations, and tool-making?
It's a quest not just to trace the lineage of human innovation but to rediscover the fundamental reasons that sparked these monumental leaps. By unraveling the original purposes and functions of early human endeavors, we aim to reconnect with the initial impulses that set humanity on its incredible journey of growth and development.
Understanding our past is key to illuminating our future. It helps us discern our intrinsic human values and spiritual aspirations amidst the flux of technological trends and market dynamics.
Analog to Digital to Immersive
Mapping the evolution of our written tradition.
"Analog to Digital to Immersive" is a thought-provoking workshop that traces the monumental journey of human expression and knowledge-sharing from the ancient flat planes of papyrus scrolls to the dynamic, multi-dimensional world of Extended Reality (XR).
This session is not just about digital innovation; it's about a fundamental shift in human intellect and communication that has been centuries in the making. The workshop outlines how, for millennia, humanity has relied on 2D surfaces to document, learn, and share knowledge. With the emergence of three-dimensional digital content, we are experiencing a cultural and cognitive revolution.
Internet vs Metaverse
Will the internet evolve into the ultimate metaverse?
Welcome to a journey into the future of the internet, where the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds blur, heralding a new era of the Information Age.
We explore the fascinating convergence of web technologies, artificial intelligence and immersive visuals ( AR, VR, Metaverse ). The multi-billion dollar question is, can companies like Meta, Apple or Microsoft succeed with their own proprietary metaverse, or the internet as we know it now will evolve into an independent, platform-agnostic immersive experience.
In 1996 at the early days of the Word Wide Web we lived in similar times. Back then Time magazine asked the question: “Whose web will it be?” featuring Microsoft’s Bill Gates. By now we know: no single company managed to “colonize” the web. It is governed and developed by W3C, a non-profit consortium.
Commercial Applications
Commercial Applications
Cutting-edge
Website Trends
Discover the forefront of website innovation in our dynamic workshop, tailored for designers, creatives, and marketers. Learn how top agencies are harnessing new web technologies and design methodologies to craft creative and groundbreaking websites.
This immersive session will broaden your horizons and spark your imagination for future projects, showcasing the latest in 3D elements, immersive navigation, realistic product customization, and captivating animation.
In the second part, we delve into the practical aspects: mastering best practices, comprehending the underlying technologies, and navigating design constraints. Join us to transform your approach to web design and project planning with these cutting-edge solutions.
AR for brands
Step into the future of branding with our exclusive workshop on Augmented Reality (AR) for brands. Designed for brand managers, marketing professionals, and creative strategists, this workshop unveils the transformative power of AR in brand storytelling and customer engagement.
Explore how leading brands are integrating AR to create immersive experiences, enhance customer interaction, and elevate their marketing strategies. We'll cover practical insights into AR technology, campaign planning, and creative execution.
By the end of this workshop, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to effectively incorporate AR into your brand's narrative, setting you apart in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
UX & Management for
Innovative Projects
Became a pro of UI and UX design for immersive projects in our expert-led workshop. Geared towards UI/UX designers, developers, and creative professionals, this workshop addresses the unique challenges and innovative approaches required for designing user interfaces in 3D and immersive environments, as opposed to traditional 2D websites and apps.
We'll explore the nuances of 3D design principles, user interaction in spatial environments, and the integration of immersive technologies. Gain practical insights and hands-on experience in crafting intuitive and engaging interfaces for virtual and augmented reality projects.
By the end of this session, you'll have a solid foundation in the latest UI and UX strategies, preparing you to excel in the fast-evolving realm of immersive design.
Intro To Creative Marketing
Comprehensive 20 lessons training program
Embark on a comprehensive journey into the creative industry with our 'Intro to Creative Tech' training program. Designed for both budding students and seasoned professionals, this 20-lesson course prepares you to thrive in the creative sector using cutting-edge technologies.
Begin with an overview of the creative industry and a fascinating exploration of the history of creative technologies. Then, dive into dedicated lessons covering key fields such as web design, gaming, immersive technologies, video production, music technology, blockchain, and AI.
Beyond technical skills, the program also includes vital insights into marketing, sales, and foundational business and startup knowledge. Whether you're kickstarting or advancing your career, this program equips you with a diverse skill set and deep understanding, crucial for success in today's dynamic creative landscape.
BUSINESS
Leadership, Culture, Creativity
BUSINESS
Leadership, Culture, Creativity
The Entrepreneurial Journey
Becoming an entrepreneur is more than just a career choice—it's a leap into the unknown. Whether you dream of sparking change with a startup or are navigating the challenges of scaling a business, you are part of a unique narrative that is constantly evolving. This journey is beautifully complex, filled with misconceptions that can cloud our vision and challenges that test our resolve. We will debunk those myths, confront the realities, and learn how to bridge the gap between dreams and hard work.
Inspired by transformative books like "The E-Myth" by Michael Gerber, "Scale or Fail" by Allison Maslan, "Principles" by Ray Dalio, “Conscious Capitalism” by John Mackey as well as "Zero To One" by Peter Thiel, this talk aims to equip you with the principles you need to thrive on this journey. These authors have not only mapped pathways to success but have also highlighted the pitfalls that ensnare many aspiring entrepreneurs.
Human-centered Leadership & Culture
We embark on a critical exploration of what it means to implement Human-centered Leadership and Culture in our workplaces. This talk is dedicated to unraveling how we can transform our work environments into spaces that prioritize inclusivity, foster personal connections, and enhance collective well-being, transcending the traditional focus on profit.
By embracing democratic decision-making and effective conflict resolution, we can build a community that values each member’s voice and nurtures their personal and professional growth. At the heart of our discussion is the belief that a truly inclusive workplace involves every individual in decision-making processes, cultivating a sense of ownership and belonging.
Moreover, we will challenge the notion that work and personal life are fully-separable entities. Instead, we'll explore how integrating these aspects can unlock hidden potential, enhancing creativity, playfulness, and overall job satisfaction. Our goal is to create workplaces where mental health and human relationships are prioritized, making interactions less superficial and more authentic. Through case studies of existing company cultures embracing personal development, we will learn how to foster an environment where people can thrive together, professionally and personally alike.
Professional Mindset
With this talk we not only focus on being better at our jobs but also on understanding and overcoming the personal challenges and barriers that hinder professional growth. A professional mindset extends beyond mere skill, it encompasses our attitudes, cognitive strategies and the personal hurdles like traumas that can impact our work life. What does it really take to do our jobs well? How do we move beyond the basics of skill competency to truly excel in our professional environments?
This talk will explore key strategies for enhancing productivity, catalyzing teamwork and inspiring self-development. We will identify common obstacles that may be holding us back, such as ingrained habits, fear of failure, or unresolved conflicts, and discuss practical ways to address these challenges.
Let’s embark on this journey of growth, armed with the cognitive tools needed to unlock our true professional potential.
Tech Innovation
& Startups
Throughout this talk we will explore the dynamic interplay between groundbreaking ideas and their successful execution in the market. Innovation is research, development and a gamble at the same time. To understand the intricate balance between rational decisions and unpredictable outcomes we will examine the lifecycle of tech startups—from sparking an innovative idea to navigating the tumultuous journey towards scaling and market disruption.
To deepen our understanding, we will navigate through a detailed historical overview of tech startups, tracing the pivotal breakthroughs and notable failures that have shaped the industry. We'll analyze celebrated case studies, extracting crucial lessons from those who have either scaled the heights of market success or faced the setbacks of mis-timed innovations.
By the end of this session, you'll gain insights into the mechanisms of turning novel ideas into successful ventures and learn how to predict market trends to avoid the pitfalls of innovation timing.