Prof Philip Farrugia presenting Prime-VR2 on the very first FiftySix Design Talk - 📷 NoceMuskata

A Night to Remember: The Inception of FiftySix Design Talks

As the sun dipped behind Valletta’s skyline, Friggieri Hall at the Valletta Design Cluster became a hive of intellectual curiosity. The debut of the FiftySix Design Talks had arrived, and the room was a melting pot of professionals, students, and aficionados, all magnetized by the allure of design meeting science.

Introducing: Prof Philip Farrugia & Dr Michael Quinton
Introducing: Prof Philip Farrugia & Dr Michael Quinton

The stage came alive first with Prof Farrugia, who introduced us to Prime-VR2. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill VR controller; it’s a lifeline for people with movement difficulties. A marvel of empathetic design and technical prowess, Prime-VR2 doubles as a therapeutic tool.

Prof Philip Farrugia presenting Prime-VR2 - 📷 NoceMuskata
Prof Philip Farrugia presenting Prime-VR2 - 📷 NoceMuskata

The baton was then passed to Dr Quinton, who tuned us into the cosmos. His project, the Sonification of Exosolar Planetary Data, transforms celestial data into soundscapes, allowing astronomers to ‘hear’ the universe. It was like listening to the music of the spheres, a perfect blend of scientific depth and artistic nuance.

Dr Michael Quinton presenting Sonification of Exosolar Planetary Data - 📷 NoceMuskata
Dr Michael Quinton presenting Sonification of Exosolar Planetary Data - 📷 NoceMuskata

Friggieri Hall wasn’t merely a setting; it was a character in this narrative of innovation. Adding a cherry on top, this inaugural edition was a proud part of the Science in the City Festival 2023 program, lending an extra layer of gravitas to the evening.

Attendees following the first FiftySix Design Talk - 📷 NoceMuskata
Attendees following the first FiftySix Design Talk - 📷 NoceMuskata
Before we get lost in the afterglow of the event, we would love to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended. The quality of engagement was genuinely enriching. Your presence not only filled the seats but also enriched the dialogue, adding a layer of community and purpose to the first FiftySix Design Talks.
Dr Michael Quinton presenting Sonification of Exosolar Planetary Data - 📷 NoceMuskata
Dr Michael Quinton presenting Sonification of Exosolar Planetary Data - 📷 NoceMuskata
But don’t put away your calendars just yet. The next installment is already in the works, slated for Wednesday, 25th October 2023. Keep an eye on our socials for the big reveal of October’s speakers.

Last but not least, the FiftySix Design Talks owe their success to a partnership between the Golden Glitch and the Valletta Design Cluster, both beacons of innovation and community in the design world.

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