[{"content":" The Second Module at UTwente # The second module of Creative Technology (CreaTe) at UTwente is titled \u0026ldquo;Smart Environments\u0026rdquo;. Building upon the foundational skills from Module 1, this module shifts the focus toward ubiquitous computing, exploring how sensors and computers can be integrated with everyday objects and connected through networks. The module was packed with different subjects that all came together to teach us how to build distributed, context-aware, and intelligent systems. Here are the main subjects we tackled:\nProgramming \u0026amp; Physical Computing (P\u0026amp;PC) # In this course, we learned how to design and realize interactive programs for both screen interfaces and embedded applications. This was crucial for bringing our physical prototypes to life and making sure our hardware could communicate with our software.\nSounds \u0026amp; Circuits (S\u0026amp;C) # This subject was all about getting hands-on with electric hardware, circuitry, and electronics. We learned how to operationalize the math from our lectures into real physical systems, specifically concerning sound, music, and circuit design.\nAdditional Courses # Professional Development (ProfDev) to hone our collaborative and professional skills. The project I did can be found be found in my projects.\nThe Main Project: Gr8 Food Systems # For our main project, our group focused on a pressing societal issue: household food waste. Food waste in Europe represents a massive environmental burden and economic inefficiency.\nTo tackle this, we designed and built a Smart Cutting Board. The goal of the board is to sense what type of food is being prepped, measure the amount of waste produced, and provide users with direct insights into their food usage patterns to hold them accountable. It also gives actionable tips and recipes based on the detected ingredients to encourage more efficient use of food.\nI am incredibly proud to share that we won first place in the local competition for the best project among all CreaTe teams!\nMy Role \u0026amp; Contributions # Our project had to be a modular system, as a true smart environment relies on multiple distributed components and nodes working together to become context-aware. This allowed us to divide and conquer the different components. I specifically focused on the \u0026ldquo;brains\u0026rdquo; of the system: the AI and Camera module.\nThe AI Vision Module: I built the camera system using a Raspberry Pi 3B, a camera module, and an LED to create consistent lighting. I implemented a machine learning model capable of recognizing various vegetables (like tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, potatoes, and cucumbers). The model achieved a 94% accuracy rate during our testing.\nController \u0026amp; Integration: Beyond the camera, I assisted with writing the code for the main controller node. This node had to communicate with our custom weight scale, which was built using an HX711 load cell amplifier and a 1kg load cell integrated directly into the cutting board. An Arduino was used for reading the load cell data. The Arduino then sent this data over a serial connection back to the laptop, which ran the main controller.\nUser Interface: I also helped develop the user interface and website. The UI was written using Node.js, plain HTML, CSS, and JS. The website acts as the dashboard, receiving data from the camera and scale nodes. It dynamically updates to show the user the recognized vegetable and the current weight of the food or waste, and it suggests relevant recipes or cutting advice to minimize waste.\nBy combining hardware sensors, machine learning, and an interactive web dashboard, we successfully created a ubiquitous solution that works in the background to help users build more sustainable cooking habits. Previous Next ","date":"22 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/projects/utwente-module2/","section":"Projects","summary":"","title":"UTwente Module 2: Smart Environments","type":"projects"},{"content":" 💡 Professional DMX Controlled LED Tube System # This project focuses on the design and implementation of custom LED tube lights that integrate seamlessly with professional lighting software and industry standard protocols. The goal was to gain hands on experience with professional lighting workflows while building a flexible and reliable system suitable for real world applications such as events, installations and performances.\nThe result is a modular lighting system that can be controlled using the same tools and standards found in professional lighting environments.\n🛠️ What I Built # Custom LED Tube Fixtures: Designed and built two LED tube variants for different use cases. Professional DMX Integration: Full integration with professional lighting software using DMX over Ethernet and WiFi via the E1.31 standard. Open Source Control Firmware: Implemented WLED on ESP based microcontrollers for flexible and reliable LED control. Lighting Software Setup and Operation: Configured and operated Q Light Controller Plus (QLC+) for scene creation, effects and live control. Modular and Extendable Design: Built with adaptability in mind to allow integration into different lighting setups. ⚙️ Technical Overview # The system is based on ESP microcontrollers running WLED to control addressable LEDs. Communication with lighting software is handled via E1.31, enabling standard DMX workflows over Ethernet or WiFi. This allows the LED tubes to behave like professional lighting fixtures and to be programmed, synchronized and controlled alongside other DMX devices.\nTwo physical variants were created:\nA 1.2 meter wired LED tube for fixed installations. A 0.6 meter fully wireless LED tube featuring an integrated battery, power management and a mounting point for a small stand. 🎛️ Professional Lighting Capabilities # With this system I am able to:\nDesign and build custom lighting fixtures for specific artistic or technical requirements. Integrate custom hardware into existing professional lighting setups. Set up and configure professional lighting software for events, installations and performances. Create lighting scenes, effects and control mappings suitable for live operation. 🚀 Outlook # This project forms a strong foundation for future work in professional and semi professional lighting contexts. The system can be expanded with additional fixtures, customized control interfaces or adapted for concerts, exhibitions, festivals and artistic installations.\nMore photos, videos and technical details will be added to this page as the project evolves.\nYour browser cannot play this video. Download video.\n","date":"15 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/projects/diy-lightsetup/","section":"Projects","summary":"","title":"Professional DMX Controlled LED Tube System","type":"projects"},{"content":" The First Module at UTwente # The first Creative Technology (CreaTe) module was very diverse and covered a broad range of topics. The main areas are listed below.\nProgramming # We learned how to write colorful, interactive applications using Processing (Java). This included creating an interactable creature (i created a unicorn) and a pair project in which we designed an artsy interaction with a digitalized storefront (Apotheek).\nCAD # We also learned how to create 3D objects in Fusion 360. The final assignment was a windmill consisting of 3D-printed parts and laser-cut plywood. These skills were also required for the final project (Pumpkin).\nElectronic Circuits # This course focused on basic DC electronics to create interactive circuits using different actuators and sensors, NE555 timers, and other basic components such as breadboards, wires, resistors, and capacitors.\nOur final project used a total of eight NE555 timers and many other components to create a full color-fading effect using RGB LEDs. A button and a touch sensor were used to control the light modes, resulting in a so-called “Fright Light.” This took the form of a lantern with a pumpkin aesthetic that turns on when two contacts on the handle are touched. A button allows switching between two light modes: RGB fading and red flickering.\nBehavior Change and Design # In addition to these technical skills, we also learned about the main principles of influencing people’s behavior and how to design posters and videos. By combining these skills, I created a poster encouraging people to think twice about cycling while drunk, as well as a group video project about the dangers of Buy Now, Pay Later platforms.\nAnd Way More # Even though this already seems like a lot, we learned much more in lectures and workshops, such as professional development (soldering, intercultural communication, and this portfolio website), basic mathematics, and how to work academically and accurately, to name just a few.\nPrevious Next ","date":"11 November 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/projects/utwente-module1/","section":"Projects","summary":"","title":"UTwente Module 1: Foundation of CreaTe","type":"projects"},{"content":" 🚀 Nordkit – Our Camera Accessory Brand # Nordkit is a collaborative venture between myself and my good friend Julius Saenger. Together, we\u0026rsquo;ve developed a unique brand specializing in high-quality camera accessories. Our journey has been a blend of creativity, technical learning, and entrepreneurial spirit.\nKey Milestones # Brand Creation: From conceptualization to brand identity, we\u0026rsquo;ve crafted a brand that resonates with our target audience. Product Development: Transitioned from prototypes to market-ready products, ensuring quality and functionality. E-Commerce Setup: Established an online store using Shopify, providing a seamless shopping experience. Digital Marketing: Implemented effective strategies on platforms like Google Ads, Pinterest, and social media to reach our audience. Customer Engagement: Focused on exceptional customer service, building trust and loyalty. What We\u0026rsquo;ve Learned # This project has been a significant learning experience, teaching us valuable lessons in business operations, marketing, and customer relations. It\u0026rsquo;s rewarding to see our products appreciated by customers who value the attention to detail and quality we\u0026rsquo;ve put into each item.\nFor more information:\nvisit Nordkit ","date":"2 February 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/projects/nordkit/","section":"Projects","summary":"","title":"Nordkit","type":"projects"},{"content":"In 2024, I got myself a Bambu Lab A1 Mini to take my 3D printing skills to the next level.\nSince then, I’ve designed and printed a variety of small devices and custom parts — from practical desk tools to experimental mechanisms.\nFor modeling, I mainly use Fusion 360 and Onshape, depending on the project type and complexity.\nBoth tools allow me to quickly iterate on ideas and create precise, functional designs.\nYou can find a selection of my favorite prints and designs on my MakerWorld profile.\n","date":"2 February 2024","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/projects/3d-printing/","section":"Projects","summary":"","title":"3D Printing","type":"projects"},{"content":"In this project, we built a bicycle trailer that can be used as a mobile cocktail bar, so we could enjoy delicious, chilled drinks in the Schlossgarten in Karlsruhe.\nWe started with an old bike trailer as a base and added the bar step by step. The entire concept is based on Euroboxes. The bar consists of a removable table with a rail to hold the Euroboxes securely. Additionally, we added four adjustable feet to make it more stable. Each layer of the bar can fit two 400×600 mm Euroboxes side by side, providing plenty of space for drinks and supplies.\nTo keep the drinks and ice cool, we use an insulated Eurobox. Beyond this, there are several ideas for future upgrades to make the bar even more functional and fun.\nPhotos of the Built Bar # Here are some photos showing the build process and the actual trailer bar in action:\nPrevious Next 3D Model Preview # Before building, I created a 3D model in Onshape to visualize the bar and test different layouts:\nPrevious Next ","date":"2 February 2024","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/projects/bicycle-cocktail-bar/","section":"Projects","summary":"","title":"Bicycle Cocktail Bar","type":"projects"},{"content":" 🌍 CO₂ Runter – Carbon Footprint App for Karlsruhe # As part of my Computer Science Bachelor\u0026rsquo;s at DHBW Karlsruhe, I collaborated with a fellow student to redesign the CO₂ Runter app for the City of Karlsruhe. This tool aims to raise user awareness about their carbon footprint and encourages reduction through a gamified approach.\n🛠️ Our Contributions # UI/UX Redesign: We modernized the user interface based on user feedback and current design principles. Technology Update: Enhanced the underlying software architecture for improved performance and scalability. Mobile-First Web Application: Developed a native web app to minimize entry barriers. No login is required for basic features; however, additional functionalities like group comparisons necessitate user authentication. Interactive Data Display: Eliminated traditional forms in favor of engaging and interactive data presentation. Project Management: Coordinated with multiple stakeholders and adhered to university deadlines, ensuring timely delivery. For more information and a demo, visit the official website: co2runter.karlsruhe.de.\n🔗 GitHub Repository # The app\u0026rsquo;s source code is available on GitHub: CO₂ Runter GitHub.\n","date":"2 February 2023","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/projects/c02runter/","section":"Projects","summary":"","title":"CO₂ Runter","type":"projects"},{"content":" The Third Module at UTwente # The third module of Creative Technology (CreaTe) at UTwente is titled \u0026ldquo;Living and Working Tomorrow.\u0026rdquo; Building upon the technical foundations from Module 2, this module pushes our skills straight into the real world. Instead of just connecting sensors in closed environments, Module 3 challenges us to think deeply about human-technology interaction within shifting societal, living, and working landscapes.\nThe curriculum focused heavily on understanding user needs, iterative prototyping, and designing technology that actively improves everyday human experiences. Here are the core pillars we explored:\nUser-Centered Design \u0026amp; Ideation # We learned how to move from a broad societal challenge to a concrete, empathy-driven concept. This involved conducting user research, mapping out journeys, and understanding how people actually interact with physical objects in shared spaces.\nAdvanced Prototyping # We focused on building systems that don\u0026rsquo;t just look good, but function autonomously. We leveled up our fabrication and assembly skills, moving beyond basic breadboards to create robust, self-contained interactive systems designed for public or semi-public deployment.\nThe Main Project: The Autonomous Neighborhood Penpal System # For our main project, our group was presented with a beautiful yet complex challenge: how to increase social cohesion within a local neighborhood. In an increasingly digital world, people often live next door to individuals they\u0026rsquo;ve never actually met or spoken to.\nTo bridge this gap, we designed and built an Autonomous Neighborhood Penpal System. It looks and feels like a classic community postbox, but underneath the hood, it is a fully autonomous, self-sorting communication hub. Neighbors simply walk up to the box to either drop off a letter or retrieve one waiting for them.\nThe Twist: Anonymous Interest Matching # The magic of the system lies in how it connects people. The system is entirely anonymous and relies on a questionnaire that every neighbor answers when they sign up.\nSmart Matching: An internal algorithm processes these questionnaires and pairs penpals based on shared hobbies, backgrounds, or quirky mutual interests. Encouraging Movement: By placing the physical box in a central neighborhood location, it naturally encourages residents to step outside, take a walk through their neighborhood more often, and check for mail. Breaking the Bubble: It safely and excitingly gets people in contact with neighbors they might otherwise pass by without a second glance. Community Customization \u0026amp; Gamification # We didn\u0026rsquo;t want this to feel like a sterile piece of tech dropped into a neighborhood, so we added a few extra layers to drive engagement:\nVisual Customization: The physical exterior of the postbox is designed so that each unique neighborhood can customize and decorate it, allowing the community to literally leave their mark on the system. Planned Games: To keep the interaction fresh over time, we designed concepts for neighborhood-wide text-based games and icebreaker challenges facilitated directly through the letter exchanges. My Role \u0026amp; Contributions # Because this project required a seamless blend of mechanical engineering, internal electronic sorting, and database management, we split into distinct roles. I focused heavily on the core mechanics and user onboarding experience:\nThe Internal Sorting \u0026amp; Mechanical Drive: I worked on designing and programming the internal autonomous sorting mechanism. When a letter is dropped in, the system needs to recognize who it\u0026rsquo;s from and physically route or clear it into the correct internal compartment so the right neighbor can retrieve it later. The Questionnaire \u0026amp; Database Backend: I helped build the digital sign-up flow and the matching database. I wrote the logic that takes the questionnaire data, evaluates the interest overlaps, and creates the anonymous penpal pairings behind the scenes. User Experience \u0026amp; Feedback: I assisted in integrating the physical interface on the box (buttons and status LEDs) that guides users through the process of sending or receiving, ensuring the technology feels welcoming and accessible to neighbors of all ages. By transforming a routine walk into an opportunity for authentic, old-school connection, our autonomous penpal box successfully leverages technology to bring physical neighborhoods closer together.\nPrevious Next ","date":"17 June 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/projects/utwente-module3/","section":"Projects","summary":"","title":"UTwente Module 3: Living and Working Tomorrow","type":"projects"},{"content":" Hey, I\u0026rsquo;m # Norman Moin! I\u0026rsquo;m Norman, 25, from Germany, currently studying Creative Technology (CreaTe) at the University of Twente in Enschede, Netherlands.\nI’m passionate about everything that connects art, technology, and entrepreneurship.\nI love exploring new ideas, building meaningful projects, and turning imagination into reality.\nIf you’d like to learn more about me or see what I’ve been working on, check out my projects.\nIf you’re interested in collaborating, let’s talk, send me a dm on Instagram or LikedIn! I’m always excited for new and mesmerizing ideas.\n","date":"17 June 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/","section":"","summary":"","title":"","type":"page"},{"content":"","date":"17 June 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/autonomous-systems/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Autonomous Systems","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"17 June 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/cohesion/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Cohesion","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"17 June 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/community/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Community","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"17 June 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/design/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Design","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"17 June 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/electronics/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Electronics","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"17 June 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/projects/","section":"Projects","summary":"","title":"Projects","type":"projects"},{"content":"","date":"17 June 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/prototyping/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Prototyping","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"17 June 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Tags","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"17 June 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/user-experience/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"User Experience","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"22 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/arduino/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Arduino","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"22 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/iot/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"IoT","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"22 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/machine-learning/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Machine Learning","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"22 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/node.js/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Node.js","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"22 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/physical-computing/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Physical Computing","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"22 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/programming/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Programming","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"22 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/raspberry-pi/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Raspberry Pi","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"15 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/creative-engineering/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Creative Engineering","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"15 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/dmx/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"DMX","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"15 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/e1.31/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"E1.31","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"15 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/embedded-systems/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Embedded Systems","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"15 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/esp/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"ESP","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"15 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/lighting-design/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Lighting Design","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"15 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/qlc+/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"QLC+","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"15 January 2026","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/wled/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"WLED","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"11 November 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/circuits/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Circuits","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"11 November 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/fusion360/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Fusion360","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"11 November 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/processing/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Processing","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"11 November 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/project-management/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Project Management","type":"tags"},{"content":" Hey, I’m Norman, a creative technologist focused on practical design, digital fabrication and experimental engineering.\nI enjoy turning ideas into working prototypes, ranging from interactive web projects and software tools to functional hardware and 3D-printed components.\nMy work combines digital design with hands-on making. I explore how new technologies can improve the way we build, visualize and automate things.\nEach project is an opportunity to balance clean design with solid technical execution.\nIf you want to see what I’m currently working on or what I’ve built in the past, check out my projects or find me through the links below my picture or in the footer.\n","date":"15 October 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/about/","section":"","summary":"","title":"About Me","type":"page"},{"content":"","date":"2 February 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/e-commerce/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"E-Commerce","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"2 February 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/marketing/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Marketing","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"2 February 2025","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/shopify/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Shopify","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"2 February 2024","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/cad/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"CAD","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"2 February 2024","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/fun/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Fun","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"2 February 2024","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/onshape/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Onshape","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"2 February 2024","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/pla/petg/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"PLA/PETG","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"2 February 2024","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/wood/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Wood","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"2 February 2023","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/docker/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Docker","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"2 February 2023","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/figma/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Figma","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"2 February 2023","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/javascript/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"JavaScript","type":"tags"},{"content":"","date":"2 February 2023","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/tags/software-engineering/","section":"Tags","summary":"","title":"Software Engineering","type":"tags"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/authors/","section":"Authors","summary":"","title":"Authors","type":"authors"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/categories/","section":"Categories","summary":"","title":"Categories","type":"categories"},{"content":"","externalUrl":null,"permalink":"/series/","section":"Series","summary":"","title":"Series","type":"series"}]