by tobias.schittenkopf -

Net Art: jumping into the rabbit hole

Net art (also called net.art) is a type of art that exists only on the internet. It doesn’t just use the web to share images—it uses the web itself as the art. This kind of art started in the 1990s, and it is very different from what we usually see online today. It doesn’t try to sell anything or look perfect. Instead, it focuses on feeling, experience, and sometimes even confusion.

Net art is full of strange designs. It often looks like websites from the early internet—raw HTML, broken images, old GIFs, and strange links. These websites may seem like mistakes, but many parts are made on purpose. The goal is not to make things easy, but to make people explore and feel something. Some websites are made to look like video games, blogs, or even computer viruses, but they all hide deeper ideas under their strange looks.

There are many styles and themes in net art. Some use ASCII art (pictures made with letters and symbols). Others create fake online worlds or use broken design to create a special mood. A site like Ghost City feels like a dream, while Jim Punk uses bugs and glitches to show how strange the internet can be. These works often mix fun with serious topics like memory, fear, or digital life.

One interesting part of net art is how it makes the user feel. These websites are not easy to use. You have to click around, get lost, and try to understand what’s going on. Some links don’t work anymore, but that’s part of the idea—nothing on the internet lasts forever. This shows how fast things change online and how easy it is to lose digital memories.

Sometimes, net art is shown in real museums. For example, one project at UC Berkeley showed a broken desktop with old journal entries. But most net art stays online, where it works best. It’s not made to hang on a wall—it’s made to live in a browser.

My Opinion
Net art is very different from modern websites and apps. Today, everything online is fast, clean, and made for profit. But net art shows another side of the internet—one that is creative, strange, and emotional. As a designer, I think that’s very exciting. We often focus too much on making things “perfect.” Net art reminds us that mistakes, confusion, and emotion can be part of design too. It gives us freedom to break the rules and try new things. Even if it’s old and broken now, net art still has something important to say.

by tobias.schittenkopf -

“Digital intimacy: Feeling human in an artificial world” WebExpo Conference Talk

One of the most surprising and emotional talks I attended at WebExpo was “Digital Intimacy: Feeling Human in an Artificial World” by Lutz Schmitt. It opened my eyes to how technology—especially artificial intelligence—is changing the way we connect with others, both in good and dangerous ways.

Lutz started by talking about intimacy—something we usually connect with people who are physically close to us: partners, friends, family. He showed how, in long-distance relationships, people use tech to keep that closeness alive. He gave the example of a product called Pillow Talk, which lets people feel their partner’s heartbeat even when they are far away. It sounds romantic, but it also made me think: what happens when machines start replacing real people in these connections?

One of the biggest ideas in the talk was that privacy is the basis of true intimacy. But online, our privacy is often not protected. Lutz pointed out that digital spaces are full of systems that track us, watch us, and try to influence how we feel. This makes it harder to build real trust—and trust is key for intimacy.

At the same time, Lutz showed that meaningful digital connections are possible. Many of us stay close with friends and family through social media or video calls. But he warned us about something growing even faster: AI companions and parasocial relationships. In the future, more people might become “friends” with AI agents. These relationships can feel real—but they are one-sided, and the AI is controlled by someone else.

He shared one shocking example: some men, after breakups, trained an AI using their ex-girlfriend’s messages, voice notes, and chats. They created an AI “clone” of their ex to continue the relationship. This raised serious questions about ethics, consent, and emotional health.

Lutz also spoke about AI counselors, which are already helping people with mental health support. He made an interesting point: people are often afraid of how their real friends will react to their problems. With an AI, there’s no fear of judgment. This makes it easier for some to open up. But again, it raises the question—who is behind the AI, and what is their goal?

One disturbing example he mentioned was an AI that told a young boy to kill his parents to get more screen time. This showed how dangerous it can be when we don’t fully understand or control what AI might say.

What I really appreciated about Lutz’s talk was how honest and thought-provoking it was. He didn’t try to scare people, but he didn’t avoid uncomfortable topics either. He showed both the beautiful and the dark sides of AI in relationships, and how important it is to ask questions now, before it’s too late.

For me, this talk was one of the highlights of WebExpo. It made me see AI not just as a tool, but as something that could shape our deepest emotions and relationships—for better or worse.

by tobias.schittenkopf -

“12 Core Design Skills” at WebExpo Conference Talk

One of the talks that really made me think differently at this year’s WebExpo was Jan Řezáč’s presentation: 12 Core Design Skills. It wasn’t about shiny tools or the newest design trends. Instead, it focused on the skills that actually help designers succeed in the real world.

A big idea from the talk was this: Figma is not where design starts. Jan said that Figma is simply a place to document our design decisions, not where the design thinking happens. This hit me hard. Many of us spend so much time in design tools, but the real work starts much earlier—with ideas, research, and understanding problems.

He also warned about falling into what he called the “second diamond trap.” This means focusing only on the final stages of the design process—like making screens and prototypes—while ignoring the important early phases like research and problem definition. Skipping those steps can lead to pretty designs that don’t solve real issues.

One of my favorite takeaways was how important it is to design with intention. Every step we take should have a clear reason behind it. Jan talked about design as a form of creative problem-solving—not just making things beautiful, but making them work better.

Another important skill Jan talked about was facilitation. As designers grow in their careers, it’s not enough to do good design work alone. We also need to bring people together, lead workshops, and help teams think clearly. That means using techniques that create structure and trust in group settings.

But maybe the strongest point of the talk was this: stakeholder management is the most important skill a designer can have. You’re not just designing for users—you’re also working with managers, developers, and other teams. Jan said something that stuck with me: “Your real designer is your manager.” If they don’t support your work, it’s very hard to make an impact.

Jan also gave some advice on research. He said that during the research phase, designers should talk less and listen more. The goal is to make sense of what users and teams are saying. This skill—making sense of data and feedback—is something we should use all the time, not just during big research moments.

He also reminded us that most products—around 95%—fail. That’s a huge number. To avoid being part of that statistic, designers need to test ideas often and be open to learning, not just polishing.

Finally, Jan recommended watching a great video by John Cleese about creativity. I watched it after the talk—it really helped me see creative work in a new way.

This session made me reflect on my own work. Am I just moving shapes on a screen? Or am I solving the right problems in smart, intentional ways? Thanks to Jan’s talk, I feel more focused on what truly matters in design.

by tobias.schittenkopf -

How Art Found Its Place in the Digital Space 

There was a time when the art world was confined to physical walls—museums, galleries, studios. Access was limited, gatekeepers held the keys, and artists needed a foot in the door before they could be heard, seen, or celebrated. But with the rise of the internet, all of that changed.

The digital space—the vast, decentralized network that makes up our online lives—has become more than just a tool. It has become a canvas, a stage, a studio, and even a marketplace. Over the last few decades, art has carved out its own corner of the web, evolving from early digital experiments to fully immersive experiences, reshaping how we create, consume, and interact with creative expression.

The Origins: Pixels and Possibilities 

The seeds of digital art were planted long before social media or online galleries. As early as the 1960s, artists began experimenting with computers, using algorithms and programming languages to generate shapes and forms. But it wasn’t until the internet became accessible in the 1990s that things truly started to shift.

Artists discovered that they could not only make work using digital tools, but also share it instantly, globally. Platforms like DeviantArt, Tumblr, and early web forums gave rise to new communities—DIY spaces where creators supported each other, collaborated across continents, and rejected traditional hierarchies.

From Niche to Movement

As the web matured, so did the digital art scene. New aesthetics emerged—glitch art, net art, and later, generative art driven by code. Artists began to question what it meant to “own” or “exhibit” a piece of work in a space where everything is infinitely reproducible. Some embraced the ephemeral nature of the internet; others used it to archive and immortalize their creations.

By the 2010s, platforms like Instagram turned art into scrollable experiences. Suddenly, visibility wasn’t dependent on geography or institutional support—it was algorithmic, viral, and sometimes wildly democratic. Meanwhile, digital tools evolved. With the rise of software like Processing, TouchDesigner, and later AI-powered platforms, artists found new ways to collaborate with technology itself. 

Claiming Space: Art in the Web3 Era

Fast-forward to today, and digital art is not just a fringe movement—it’s a legitimate, disruptive force. The emergence of NFTs and blockchain technology added a layer of value and ownership to digital files, shaking the foundations of the traditional art market. Virtual galleries, online auctions, and decentralized platforms now offer artists unprecedented control over their work and how it’s distributed.

But even beyond commerce, the internet has allowed art to exist in dialogue with its audience in real-time. It’s more interactive, more accessible, and often more experimental than ever before. The web is no longer just where art is posted—it’s where it’s born.

What’s Next?

In this series, we’ll explore the many faces of art in the digital age—from the rise of generative art and algorithmic aesthetics to the communities that shaped the early web’s creative underground. We’ll look at how artists are using new technologies, navigating online spaces, and redefining what it means to be a creator in a world where the gallery is the screen, and the studio is everywhere.

Welcome to the age of cloud-native creativity. Art isn’t just on the internet anymore—it is the internet.

by tobias.schittenkopf -

Pain Creature: Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the Design of an Embodied Textile Instrument for Interactive Dance


The paper Pain Creature by Madaghiele and Demir presents an innovative interdisciplinary project combining textile design, sonic interaction, and dance to create an embodied textile instrument. The artifact, Pain Creature, serves as both a reflective tool for chronic pain experiences and a performance instrument.

The paper highlights a successful collaboration between a sonic interaction designer (Madaghiele) and a textile designer (Demir), merging expertise in sound, textiles, and movement. This approach led to a design where material properties directly influenced sound interactions.

Through the use of soma design method, including first-person exploration of chronic pain, the designers translated subjective pain experiences into tangible textile-sound mappings.

The artifact was integrated into an improvisational dance performance, where it functioned as a “parasitic” extension of the dancer’s body, narrating stages of pain. Through this approach, the artifact bridges materiality, sound and movement and offers the audience a richt, multi-sensory experience.

As far as I understand the Bela Mini’s computational constrains forced the designers to constrain the sound design to simpler forms, e.g. omitting the Empty dimension. This highlights a trade-off between complexity and real-time performance limitations. Another critical aspect that was missing in the paper was the effectiveness of the mappings on the audience and how well they were perceived. While the paper notes the importance of gesture-sound mappings for audience understanding, no empirical evaluation of this took place.

As the Bela Mini offers limited dynamic control over musical parameters, the performance could also get stale the longer the performance goes on. With the implication of a live performing musician this could be negated, but the risk of loosing the connection between gesture-sound mapping through a diluted soundscape is very high.

This paper in my eyes documents a novel, interdisciplinary design process and its theoretical grounding in somaesthetics. However, it could be strengthened by implementing audience studies to evaluate how performers and audiences interpret the instrument’s mappings and how much difference it makes compared to a pre-recorded soundscape. I also would love to know how the design would evolve with more advanced textile instruments. Unfortunately, the PD patch documentation is very limited which hinders fellow designers to reproduce the Artifact.

by tobias.schittenkopf -

The Role of Climbing Boards: A Conclusion

Climbing boards have become a cornerstone of bouldering, shaping how climbers train, connect, and engage with the sport. Over the course of exploring various aspects—technology, inclusivity, sustainability, and human-centered design—it is evident that climbing boards are not just tools for physical training but catalysts for innovation and accessibility in bouldering. This conclusion synthesizes insights from the research, reflecting on how climbing boards are redefining the sport.

Technology as a Driving Force

One of the recurring themes across the research is the transformative role of technology. Climbing boards like the MoonBoard, Kilter Board, and Tension Board have paved the way for integrating interactive features such as LED systems, apps, and global route-sharing platforms. These technologies have connected climbers worldwide, enabling standardized training and fostering a global community.

Further innovations like augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) have added layers of immersion and interactivity. AR projections simplify route guidance, while VR creates safe spaces to practice complex outdoor scenarios. These tools, combined with data-driven insights from wearables and AI, have transformed climbing boards into intelligent systems that personalize training and optimize performance.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

Another critical aspect of climbing boards is their potential to make bouldering more inclusive. Adjustable wall angles, modular holds, and simplified digital interfaces ensure climbers of all abilities can participate. For example, human-centered design principles emphasize the importance of catering to diverse skill levels and physical needs, fostering a welcoming environment.

Community-driven features like collaborative route creation and multiplayer climbing modes further enhance inclusivity. By prioritizing accessibility, climbing boards have the power to break down barriers and bring people together, making the sport truly universal.

Sustainability in Climbing Board Design

Sustainability is an essential consideration in modern climbing board development. The environmental impact of climbing gym equipment is mitigated through the use of recycled materials, energy-efficient systems, and modular designs. Boards that are durable and easy to maintain not only reduce waste but also extend their usability, ensuring long-term value for gyms and climbers alike.

For smaller gyms, creative solutions like projector-based route visualization and DIY board setups offer cost-effective alternatives that align with sustainable practices. These approaches ensure that even gyms with limited budgets can contribute to an eco-conscious bouldering ecosystem.

The Role of Design in Enhancing the Experience

Effective communication through design is at the core of bouldering. Clear route identification, intuitive interfaces, and thoughtful visual hierarchies enhance the climbing experience by reducing cognitive overload and improving engagement. Features like color-coded holds, grading systems, and AR overlays ensure climbers can focus on solving problems rather than deciphering complex layouts.

Moreover, climbing boards have evolved into platforms for storytelling and connection. Imaginative routes, gamified challenges, and collaborative climbing modes demonstrate how design can transcend functionality, creating spaces that inspire creativity and build community.

The Future of Climbing Boards

Looking ahead, climbing boards are poised to become even more sophisticated. From motion-tracking systems that offer real-time feedback to AI-driven personalization and temperature-controlled holds, the possibilities are endless. However, the challenge will be to balance innovation with accessibility and sustainability, ensuring that climbing boards remain inclusive and environmentally friendly.

At the same time, climbing boards have the potential to deepen their role as social hubs. Features that prioritize collaboration and shared experiences can transform bouldering from an individual pursuit into a communal activity, fostering stronger connections among climbers.

Conclusion: A Convergence of Innovation, Inclusivity, and Sustainability

Climbing boards are far more than training tools—they are evolving ecosystems that reflect the future of bouldering. By integrating technology, prioritizing accessibility, and embracing sustainability, these boards have redefined how climbers train and interact with the sport. Whether it’s through AR-guided routes, modular DIY setups, or community-driven features, climbing boards have shown that innovation and simplicity can coexist.

As we move forward, the lessons from this research highlight the importance of designing for both performance and inclusivity. Climbing boards are not just shaping better climbers—they’re creating a better bouldering culture, one that is connected, creative, and mindful of its impact. The future of climbing is bright, and climbing boards will undoubtedly play a central role in guiding the sport to new heights.

by tobias.schittenkopf -

The Role of Human-Centered Design in Bouldering Boards

Human-centered design prioritizes the user experience, emphasizing empathy, inclusivity, and adaptability. While current boards like MoonBoard and Kilter Board focus on standardizing training and competition, there’s an opportunity to create climbing boards that also nurture collaboration and community.

Ideas for Enhancing Connection Through Design

1. Collaborative Climbing Modes

  • Concept: Introduce multiplayer features where climbers can solve problems together in real-time.
  • Example: A climbing board mode where two climbers alternate moves to complete a route, with the board lighting up the next hold for the other player.
  • Benefit: Encourages teamwork, communication, and shared problem-solving.

2. Storytelling Through Routes

  • Concept: Use climbing routes to tell a story or explore a theme, engaging climbers on a deeper emotional level.
  • Example: AR or LED-enabled boards could create “adventure routes,” where holds light up sequentially to simulate climbing a famous rock face or solving a mystery through movement.
  • Benefit: Makes training more imaginative and immersive, appealing to climbers beyond raw performance metrics.

3. Community-Led Route Creation

  • Concept: Expand route creation tools to emphasize collaboration, where groups of climbers can design and vote on problems together.
  • Example: A shared app interface where local climbers upload and rank new problems, with the top-voted routes projected on the board for everyone to try.
  • Benefit: Strengthens local climbing communities by giving everyone a voice in shaping the board’s content.

4. Social Performance Metrics

  • Concept: Shift performance tracking from individual competition to group progress.
  • Example: A “team climbing” mode that logs collective achievements, such as the number of problems completed by a group in one session.
  • Benefit: Builds camaraderie and makes training less about competition and more about shared goals.

More then climibing

When we think of climbing boards, we often see them as tools for performance or training. But by incorporating human-centered design principles, they can become something greater—a space for connection, creativity, and shared experiences. By shifting the focus from individual achievement to collective engagement, climbing boards could redefine the way climbers train and interact, both with the wall and with each other.

by tobias.schittenkopf -

Revolutionizing Bouldering Boards: Enhancements to Train Smarter and Climb Better

Bouldering boards have long been the minimalist’s training tool—just a wall, a set of holds, and your willpower. But as technology evolves, so do the opportunities to improve this simple foundation. By focusing on creative enhancements, both technological and mechanical, we can elevate the bouldering experience while keeping the essentials intact.

1. Adaptive Holds for Strength and Precision Training

  • Concept: Imagine holds that can adapt in real time. Using built-in mechanisms, these holds could adjust their resistance or texture to simulate different rock types or difficulty levels.

  • Example: A “crimp hold” that tightens its edges to make it progressively harder to grip, or a sloper that becomes slicker to build friction strength.

  • Benefit: Allows climbers to train specific grip techniques without switching walls or holds.

2. Dynamic Angle Adjustment

  • Concept: A bouldering board that shifts its angle mid-session, creating varied terrain such as slabs, verticals, or overhangs. Controlled via an app or manual settings, the board adjusts to challenge different climbing styles.

  • Example: Start with a 10-degree incline for warm-ups, then gradually increase to 45 degrees for power endurance training.

  • Benefit: Simulates outdoor climbing conditions while using minimal space, making it ideal for home gyms or compact training areas.

3. Augmented Reality (AR) Route Guidance

  • Concept: AR projections display climbing routes directly on the wall, showing optimal beta (move sequences), hold usage, and crux highlights.

  • Example: A beginner-friendly mode highlights the easiest path with animated overlays, while an advanced mode removes guidance for added challenge.

  • Benefit: Eliminates the need for tape or LEDs while offering real-time feedback and dynamic problem-solving.

4. Modular and Snap-In Hold Systems

  • Concept: Holds that snap into place without requiring screws or tools. With modular designs, climbers can quickly reconfigure routes or swap out sections of the wall.

  • Example: A pre-programmed route layout that climbers can install in under five minutes by snapping holds into pre-marked slots.

  • Benefit: Encourages creativity and route experimentation without needing a full gym setup.

5. AI-Driven Training Plans

  • Concept: An integrated app tracks your performance and designs personalized training regimens. It evaluates metrics like grip strength, number of attempts, and time spent on problems.

  • Example: After a climbing session, the app suggests routes that target your weaknesses, such as dynamic moves or static strength holds.

  • Benefit: Helps climbers progress more efficiently by focusing on their unique needs.

6. Resistance Bands and Dynamic Holds

  • Concept: Resistance bands attach directly to the holds or the climber to simulate outdoor conditions like rope drag or steep overhang tension.

  • Example: Bands connected to a foothold create extra pull, mimicking the effort needed to stay on a slippery route.

  • Benefit: Adds an extra layer of difficulty, building strength and control.

7. Temperature-Controlled Holds

  • Concept: Holds that adjust their temperature to simulate climbing on warm sandstone or icy granite.

  • Example: A setting for “cold weather climbing” trains your hands to maintain grip in cooler conditions.

  • Benefit: Prepares climbers for seasonal outdoor adventures without leaving the gym.

8. Real-Time Motion Tracking

  • Concept: Built-in sensors and cameras track your body’s movement, offering immediate feedback on technique.

  • Example: After a failed attempt, the system highlights errors like overreaching or poor foot placement.

  • Benefit: Encourages technical improvement and reduces the risk of developing inefficient habits.
by tobias.schittenkopf -

The Role of Interaction Design in Climbing Boards: Merging Technology with Usability

As climbing boards like MoonBoard, Kilter Board, and Tension Board become more prominent in gyms, the importance of interaction design in their development cannot be overstated. These boards blend physical climbing with advanced technology, creating a unique user experience that requires thoughtful design. Interaction design ensures that these systems remain intuitive, engaging, and accessible for climbers of all skill levels. This blog explores how merging technology with usability can revolutionize climbing training.

Why Interaction Design Matters for Climbing Boards

Climbing boards are more than just tools; they are platforms for growth, learning, and community. Poorly designed interfaces or systems can hinder climbers’ progress, frustrate users, and reduce the overall value of the technology. Interaction design bridges the gap between the climber and the system, ensuring that every feature—from route visualization to feedback—is intuitive and user-friendly.

Principles of Interaction Design in Climbing Boards

1. Visibility

Visibility ensures climbers can easily interpret and engage with the system. On climbing boards, this might include:

  • Clear Hold Identification: LED lighting systems that highlight active holds with bright, distinct colors.
  • Interface Design: Mobile apps with clean layouts that prioritize essential features like route selection, grading, and progress tracking.

2. Feedback

Interactive feedback helps climbers adjust and improve in real-time. Effective climbing boards provide:

  • Immediate Responses: LEDs that light up when a hold is touched or AR projections that track movement.
  • Performance Metrics: Apps that record attempts, successes, and time taken to complete problems, offering actionable insights.

3. Affordance

Designing affordance means ensuring climbers intuitively understand how to interact with the system. Examples include:

  • Tactile Hold Design: Holds that clearly indicate their intended use (e.g., footholds vs. handholds) through texture and shape.
  • Interactive Interfaces: Drag-and-drop route creation tools in apps that feel natural and easy to use.

4. Accessibility

Accessible design ensures climbers of all abilities can benefit from the technology. This involves:

  • Customizable Difficulty: Apps that allow users to tailor problems to their skill level.
  • Inclusivity in Design: Hold placements and route designs that accommodate climbers of various heights and abilities.

Challenges in Interaction Design for Climbing Boards

  1. Balancing Complexity with Simplicity: Advanced features, like AR overlays or detailed analytics, can overwhelm users if not designed carefully. Interaction designers must prioritize simplicity without sacrificing functionality.
  2. Physical and Digital Integration: Ensuring seamless interaction between the physical board and its digital counterpart (e.g., apps or LED systems) is crucial for a cohesive experience.
  3. Diverse User Needs: Climbing boards are used by a wide range of climbers, from beginners to experts. Designing systems that cater to all skill levels requires flexibility and foresight.

The Future of Interaction Design in Climbing Boards

As technology advances, interaction design will play an even greater role in climbing boards. Future developments may include:

  • AI-Powered Feedback: Systems that analyze climbing techniques and provide personalized advice.
  • Enhanced AR Features: Projections that guide climbers through optimal movements or suggest alternative solutions.
  • Gamification: Incorporating elements like achievements, leaderboards, and challenges to increase engagement and motivation.

Conclusion

Interaction design is the key to unlocking the full potential of climbing boards. By focusing on visibility, feedback, affordance, and accessibility, designers can create systems that are not only functional but also enjoyable and engaging. As these technologies continue to evolve, thoughtful interaction design will ensure that climbing boards remain a powerful tool for training, community building, and personal growth.

For climbers, the wall is a canvas. For designers, it’s an opportunity to craft an experience that inspires and empowers—one hold at a time.

by tobias.schittenkopf -

Sustainability in Climbing Board Design: Materials, Energy, and Durability

Climbing gyms and tech-enhanced climbing boards are at the heart of modern bouldering culture. However, the materials, energy demands, and disposability of these systems can have significant environmental impacts. As the sport continues to grow, adopting sustainable design practices in climbing board creation is essential to reduce waste, conserve energy, and protect the planet. This blog explores how sustainable materials, energy efficiency, and durability can help make climbing boards more eco-friendly without compromising usability.

Sustainable Materials for Climbing Boards

One of the simplest ways to make climbing boards more sustainable is by focusing on the materials used in their construction. Sustainable materials can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of gym equipment:

  • Recycled or Renewable Materials: Using reclaimed wood or recycled plastics for board structures and climbing holds minimizes waste. Renewable options like bamboo are both lightweight and durable, making them ideal for climbing walls.
  • Non-Toxic Finishes: Avoiding toxic adhesives, paints, or sealants protects both the environment and climbers. Opting for low-VOC (volatile organic compound) finishes ensures a safer gym environment and reduces harmful emissions during production.

By integrating eco-friendly materials into climbing board designs, manufacturers can create products that support environmental sustainability without sacrificing quality.

Energy Efficiency in Tech-Enhanced Boards

Tech-heavy climbing boards, such as those equipped with LED lighting or AR projection systems, often consume significant amounts of energy. Reducing energy use in these systems is key to sustainable gym practices:

  • Low-Energy LEDs: Using energy-efficient LED systems with smart dimming features can cut power consumption without compromising performance. LEDs that only light up the holds being used can further optimize energy use.
  • Solar-Powered Solutions: Gyms in sunny climates could explore solar panels to power climbing boards or other equipment, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
  • Energy-Saving Projectors: For AR-enabled climbing boards, adopting projectors with low power consumption and longer lifespans reduces energy costs and waste over time.

Energy efficiency not only benefits the environment but also reduces operating costs for gyms, making sustainability a win-win.

Durability and Longevity

Durable climbing boards and holds are essential to minimizing waste and promoting sustainability. Designing for longevity ensures that equipment remains functional for years without frequent replacements:

  • Robust Materials: Holds made from high-quality, wear-resistant materials can withstand heavy use without cracking or degrading, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
  • Modular Systems: Boards designed with modular components allow gyms to replace or upgrade specific parts instead of the entire system. For example, individual LED panels or hold placements can be swapped out as needed, extending the board’s lifespan.
  • Maintenance-Friendly Designs: Boards that are easy to clean, repair, and maintain ensure that gyms can maximize their investment while minimizing waste.

Durable and modular designs save money, reduce material waste, and enhance the overall sustainability of climbing boards.

Conclusion

Sustainability in climbing board design is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. By prioritizing sustainable materials, energy-efficient technologies, and long-lasting designs, manufacturers and gyms can significantly reduce their environmental impact. These practices not only benefit the planet but also create cost-effective and durable solutions for climbing spaces.

Adopting eco-friendly practices in climbing board design ensures that the sport we love continues to thrive without compromising the environment. By making conscious choices today, we can help shape a sustainable future for climbing enthusiasts around the world.