Building and demystifying cyberdecks

SOFTER invites creative technologists and curious makers to join an exciting two-week residency to design, build and demystify cyberdecks.

In a world with increasingly black-boxed technologies and rapidly growing AI models, cyberdecks feel like a safe haven, a breath of fresh air, devices that give us hope for brighter tech futures built on playfulness, participation and decentralisation.

‍

In this residency we ask the questions; What if the future of computing is homemade, what if we could build with the components we need, the aesthetics we want, and have full agency in both form and privacy? Cyberdecks are a fast growing concept, bridging the DIY hacker community and the creative technologists. A cyberdeck is not built with a purpose of replacing our big-tech products, but is a way to reclaim agency and creativity within tech. 

‍

Since the beginning of SOFTER, we have been building computers, learning and understanding hardware and computers in an increasingly blackboxed tech world. We believe that creativity is the key to understanding tech and gaining confidence. 

‍

We are seeking two individuals or a team of two to join us in SOFTER Lab in Copenhagen to build their own dream cyberdeck, document the process and finally create a beginner-friendly tutorial. 

‍

Cyberdeck

A cyberdeck is a custom-built, portable computer designed to reflect the builder's aesthetic. The decks are typically built on single-board computers like  Raspberry Pi with a homemade case. Check out this are.na channel for more references and knowledge.‍

‍

‍

What you will do during the residency

Sourcing materials‍

Source and select materials for your cyberdeck project. We have a material budget + can help you locate local electronic recycling stations.

Create a cyberdeck

Residency: August 3-16

Design and build a custom cyberdeck from your own idea or vision including, defining its purpose (productivity tool, artistic instrument, portable workstation, etc.), developing its aesthetics (visual design and form) and planning its functionalities (what it does and how it works).‍

‍

Documentation and learning

Tutorial ready to publish on September 1

Create a video tutorial (10-20 mins) that demystifies the building process: a beginner-friendly, non-intimidating guide that welcomes curious learners. This should include a material list, needed tools and any 3D printing files needed. We will provide you with some simple SOFTER design guidelines if needed.‍

‍

Workshop (optional)

Host a cyberdeck event, workshop or talk “show and tell” format that can take place in SOFTER Lab or at our next Softer Digital Futures conference October 1-3, 2026.

‍

Who we're looking for:

• A team of two - you can apply as a pair and work on the same project or individually and work alongside each other.
• Interest and foundational knowledge in tech, hardware, and/or teaching/documentation.
• Your background can be anywhere from curious beginner to hardware expert.
• Excitement about demystifying and teaching DIY tech.‍

‍

‍

Practical information

‍When:

August 3-16, 2026

‍

Where:

SOFTER Lab, Copenhagen

‍
Deadline:

The deadline for sending your application is June 1st 12:00 CEST.

We will get back to everyone within two weeks from the deadline.

‍

Facilities:

• A cosy and comfortable workspace 
• GoPro for documentation
• 3D printer and filament
• Basic soldering materials
• Design and graphics support

‍

How to apply/what we are looking for:

Apply to this residency by reflecting on what sort of cyberdecks you want to create and why. 

See more and fill out the form here.

Applicants are selected based on the idea’s originality, functionality, purpose and design.

‍

Financial support: 

(All fees are per person and include VAT)

‍

You will recieve:

€2500 participation fee

€1000 materials budget

€100 for lunch 

€1250 Travel and accommodation support*

‍

*Travel and accommodation support available for participants not based in Copenhagen.

‍

Notes on documentation:

A main objective of the residency is demystifying cyberdecks and more generally DIY tech culture, so it is important that the guide or tutorial:

•  Break down complex processes into manageable, clear steps
• Use welcoming and inviting language
• Include visuals (photos, diagrams or video)
• Reflect the soft, accessible ethos of SOFTER

‍

Support and check-ins:

Throughout your residency, you'll have support from the SOFTER team including:

1. Initial meeting – Getting to know each other and initial planning
2. Mid-process check-in – Progress review, troubleshooting and resource needs
3. Evaluation meeting – Reflection, feedback and next steps

‍

If you have any questions about the residency, feel free to write Ida at ida@softer.global

‍

We are excited to hear from you <33

‍

Lots of love,

SOFTER

‍

Video credit: Sian Fan

Our new SOFTER tutorial on how to build your own computer is now available on YouTube!

‍

In the video, SOFTER co‑founder Ida guides you through the process step by step - explaining what a computer is made of, how to choose compatible components, and how to assemble them into a working machine.

‍

The build is designed with creative practices in mind and supports workflows such as 3D rendering, motion design, video editing and other computationally demanding forms of work.

‍

If you’ve been curious about what actually happens inside a computer, this tutorial invites you to explore the hardware behind the tools many creatives rely on every day

‍

Watch here

Do you want to host a workshop in SOFTER Lab? Are you curious about being involved in a SOFTER project? Join our info meeting for community-hosted events on April 8th and learn how you can become part of SOFTER Lab.
‍

What is community hosted events?
SOFTER was born from a longing for a community and learning space where we could see ourselves and our values reflected. Our community-hosted events encourage volunteer peer-to-peer learning and the soft exchange of knowledge, ideas and skills.

‍

What is SOFTER Lab?
SOFTER Lab is an experimental work-in-progress space and a testing ground for learning and community formats within the digital world.

We work across three focus areas:
‍

• Hardware – hands-on experience with electronics and computer systems
  
  
• Software – digital creativity, coding, AI, 3D, web
  
  
• Worldware – critical thinking about tech, society and digital futures
  ‍

We use aesthetics and visual worlds to invite people into the digital world, and our teaching approach is confidence-building, emphasising collaboration, dialogue and prioritising diversity. 

We are mindful that people learn in different ways and embrace the strengths of both online and offline learning formats. We aim to break with traditional teacher–student hierarchies and welcome experimental formats. Our methods are always work in progress, designed to develop and evolve.

‍

So join us on April 8th from 17:00-19:00 at the SOFTER Lab,

Dag Hammarskjölds Allé 42B, 2100 Ø
‍

We welcome both simple, experimental and ambitious workshop formats.
If you are in doubt whether your idea is suitable, feel free to reach out!

lab@softer.global

‍

Let’s build new digital learning formats together!

‍

‍

We are learning what it means to run a movement. We are learning to accept that we are not perfect, that we can let go of control, that we can make mistakes and everything will still be fine, as long as we keep going and learn from our experiences.

We are a project led by intuition and signs from the universe, and sometimes “growth” can be hard to spot right away. We have to trust the process, the community and the need for more softness in the world. 

We hope it will be a year where more people will take a critical stand on the tech that is being built and the impact that it has on our futures. We wish to make it a year where we commit to slowness and togetherness/community even more, where we continue to search for, imagine and create alternatives to the current logics of capitalism and big tech. Let’s continue the critical conversations and the creative reimagining.

“Move slow and grow things” will be our motto for 2026.

—

2025 was the year where:
‍
We released our first coherent visual identity, made by Mitsuko and a beautiful website made by Alissa.

We’ve transformed an old pizzeria into SOFTER Lab. We’ve had so many nice moments around our pepperoni table in the mortadella coloured room. The community has come together to host workshops on everything from coding and game engines to building computers. We’ve soldered cute little trinkets. We’ve been vulnerable together in the Vulnerability Lab and much more. Thank you Christine for trusting our vision.

We are so proud to see how the space is growing thanks to everyone who’s been hosting and attending workshops. It has been a pleasure to work with our little team, Ellen, Gabi and Mel, thank you so much for your great work and your soft spirits <3

2025 was the year when we did our first national live tv appearance, and we traveled around Denmark and abroad doing talks. Slowly spreading the SOFTER mission ;)

SOFTER London hosted their second conference in London and second SOFTER Social, thank you Christie and Rachel for running and growing SOFTER with us. Thank you to the London volunteer team who make the events possible.

We had our very first SOFTER Social in Amsterdam, hosted and organised by Valerie and her team of volunteers. 

Thank you to everyone who helps us, guides us, gives us advice and offers their expertise. 

Lastly, a big thank you to everyone who attends events and workshops, everyone who speaks, teaches and hosts workshops. We are all a part of shaping SOFTER digital futures. 

‍

—

‍

We are so ready for 2026, we have many new projects and exciting news in the pipeline! We are staying full time on SOFTER, we will continue with SOFTER Lab and the SOFTER conference will be back in Denmark too. 

‍

Thank you for staying soft and see you in 2026.

‍

x
Nicole & Ida

‍

Earlier in April, we launched the second version of our annual conference Softer Digital Futures in London, hosted at The Art House by Acrylicize. After months of planning behind the scenes we were delighted to be able to bring all of our favourite people together to take part in a collective, open discussion around the future of our digital lives.

‍

With these programming themes in mind, we invited our moderators to formulate an approach of discourse — Kalpana of Nowadays on Earth honed in on the concept of LO-TEK, to discuss ecological intelligence and multisensory storytelling. To speculate, if we can connect our storytelling methods with the body and planet, can we inform a more holistic approach to designing and building within digital ecosystems? The panel included writer and design researcher Yaa Addae, multidisciplinary designer Branden Collins and Grace Boyle whos work bridges chemistry and architectural robotics.

‍

‍

MAYA, with her previous experience at some of the tech giants, dived into the pitfalls of Big Tech and how we might be able to operate as a voice within these ecosystems and instigate change, perhaps on a smaller scale to begin with. MAYA showed us why and how to be de lulu on the internet, as we followed her down the rabbit whole of making MAYAS WORLD.  

‍

Günseli Yalcinkaya’s session focused on ‘digital empathy’ during this current landscape of chaos, oversaturation and consumption. With perspectives from coders and designers, Lex Fefegha, Nadia Piet and psychiatrist Dr Romy Gad el Rab, the panel was purposely intersectional with dissections of digital culture, ‘Slow AI’ and small data. This session was kindly supported by Netcompany.

‍

Finally, we rounded off the day with a performance by Sorrel Salb, who has been attending SOFTER events since the very beginning. Sorrel took as through a soundscape of technological memories through her alias Tech Flower Fairy, to understand the feelings and emotions these sounds may elicit.

‍

‍

The art exhibition explored this years themes through organic materials, flowing forms, and subtle nods to ecosystems. The exhibition featured artists Sina Fan, Kimverlyn Lim, Marta Ilacqua, Koundinya Dhulipalla, CENTERSHOCK, Natalie Liu, Liuba Arutiunova and habita nodriza.

‍

This year’s identity was designed by Lucy Harmony Grimes, who describes it as “towing the line between digital and natural—femininity and technology. Pink, flowers, and bubbles are all intentional elements of the soft-femme-tech aesthetic, reflecting SOFTER’s ongoing conversations that challenge the dominant hard-edged, masculine, and minimal design tropes often seen in tech.”

‍

Working with Motive Productions, we brought this visual direction to life in the space itself creating an environment that felt both digital and natural echoing the themes of this year. Sienna Lorraine Gray captured the day in beautiful dreamy images.

‍

‍

As always, a big thank you to everyone who was able to turn this day into a reality, these discussions are so crucial to our mission at SOFTER particularly to bring a wider range of perspectives to the forefront of many intersecting industries.

‍

We hope to see you next year!

‍

Christie & Rachel <3

‍

In the SOFTER origin story, the computer plays a very central role. Nicole and I connected over sharing the frustrations of trying to build our own render computer (maybe you’ve been to our events and you have heard the story a 1000 times, in that case, just skip to the next headline).

‍

The SOFTER origin story

Nicole and I both studied visual communication in a design school in Copenhagen, but for no particular reason, we weren't really friends. Without each other's knowledge, we were both dreaming of journeying into the more digital and technological aspects of design and art — and both struggling with it — without, at the time, really being able to understand why.

‍

After graduation, we both reached the conclusion that we needed to build a pc workstation to properly venture into learning 3D software. Nicole had no idea where to start, but had heard from a common friend that I had somehow magically built my own computer and she reached out to me (the truth was that I also had no idea, and one of my male friends helped me through the whole process). We met up and started talking about how it felt so difficult to get into 3D software, building computers etc, trying to understand why it felt so intimidating and unapproachable to us.

‍

Being recent design graduates, it came very natural to us to start (over)analysing the visual universe surrounding digital design and technology, realising that the mainstream aesthetics linked to everything technology, from hardware to software, are extremely stereotypically masculine and hard. Hardware designed to look unnecessarily complicated with evil-sounding names like “predator”, intimidating interfaces making you think “maybe-I’m-just-not-a-technical-person” and the visual branding is all fire, smoke and engines taking off. 

‍

We soon realised that this observation did not only connect to the visuals, but the pedagogies too. When trying to learn 3D software or coding with youtube tutorials, we met the same hypermasculine tendencies  — instructors speaking way too fast or using complicated terminology, making it sound more difficult than it should, sometimes even talking down to you and if you’re really lucky, when you least expect it, they’ll sneak in a sexist comment.

‍

Suddenly it wasn’t a mystery to us anymore why we felt uninvited and why having to build a computer felt like the HARDEST thing to do, but we knew we wouldn’t just accept it. Long story short, we decided to create SOFTER as an alternative to not only the aesthetics and the pedagogies of the digital world but also the directions of where tech is going.

‍

‍

How building a computer can boost your tech-confidence

Since the beginning of SOFTER, the computer has become the symbol of both our tech frustration and our tech success, and we found that, for several reasons, understanding how to build a computer can help replacing hardware intimidation with hardware curiosity.

‍
‍

1. Demystification of computers

Many of us are so used to computers being something that operates beyond our understanding, like a sort of mechanical magic. Even though it may seem that way, computers are not mysterious black boxes. Learning about computer components and how they work together to process data and perform tasks while keeping it cool (I mean temperature cool) can make it all feel less abstract.

‍
‍

2. The physical interaction
   
   

The tactile and visual experience of actually handling the hardware yourself, putting the components together, hearing the little clicks when a part is attached and seeing the LED’s light up when something works (or doesn’t work) is very satisfying. I’ve experienced many people (including myself) being surprised that you CAN actually just build a computer and that it doesn’t include any soldering (we are luckily NOT building the computer components from scratch here, no need to melt any metal).

3. Practicing problem-solving

‍

There is ALWAYS something that doesn’t work and most times you can get an indication of what it is through little LED lights on the motherboard or error codes on the screen, and then it’s time to go into detective mode. Every time a new thing goes wrong, you learn something new and every time you resolve an issue it gives you a little more tech confidence. 

‍

4. Linking hardware and software 

‍

When learning about computer components and what they do, you also gain an understanding of how hardware and software work together, which is very helpful if you, like most creatives, work with software every single day. It gets easier to troubleshoot and solve problems, when you know how the computer carries out your instructions (in the software) that are then interpreted and executed by the machine (in the hardware).

‍

—-

‍

If you are curious about knowing what a computer is made of, if you are dreaming about building your own computer one day or if you just find hardware mysterious, scary but still intriguing, stay tuned for more computer knowledge and geekery coming soon.

‍

xoxo Ida

Learn more about how creative director Mitsuko Sato and digital designer Alissa Dunsmore helped us reimagine our SOFTER visual universe. We asked both of them a few questions about the process, read more below and check out more of their work!

‍

‍

Mitsuko

‍

How did you go about the rebranding process?

It was a fantastic collaborative process. Ida and Nicole had a clear overview of their archives and the various styles they’d explored over the years. It was then quite organic to envision an underlying identity that truly encapsulates who and what SOFTER is and represents. The goal was to preserve all the magic while building a strong, standalone foundation—something that would stand the test of time yet still allow room to play and evolve.

‍

What was your reasoning behind the bold logo design?

In today’s tech landscape, softness is ironically bold. We wanted to reflect that tension. The extended sans serif strikes a balance—it’s confident and spacious, but still round around the edges for some softness.

‍

What influenced your choice of colours?

The red and pink pairing creates a visually striking contrast—once again, playing with the duality of boldness and softness. The inclusion of grey then introduces a subtle nod to the industry, while providing balance without overpowering the vibrant duo.

‍

‍

Alissa

‍

What aspects of building the website did you find most exciting or fun?

I loved the challenge of pushing Webflow beyond its native capabilities. We explored some different custom solutions, did research, and went through some frustrating moments with the code but when everything finally clicked, it felt amazing. That puzzle-solving moment will always call for a little happy dance.

‍

What was the most important lesson you learned while working on the website?

Working with Mitsuko showed me how crucial a solid process is. As a newly started freelancer, I realized that managing a project well is just as important as the actual design or build. Even in a short time, her structured approach and experience really stood out.

‍

Do you have any tips or advice for our community members who are interested in building websites, particularly with Webflow?

Webflow has a bit of a learning curve, but don’t let that scare you off. There are tons of great resources out there to help you get started. And if you ever want to chat about it, feel free to reach out—always happy to share what I’ve learned so far.

‍

-

‍

A giant thank you to Mitsuko and Alissa for putting so much time, effort and love into our new visual universe <3

‍

Since the dawn of SOFTER, in-person connection and offline learning experiences have been top of the list for us. That’s why we are so thrilled to announce that we will be opening SOFTER Lab this May.

‍

SOFTER Lab is an experimental learning space that explores educational formats for the future.

‍

It’s a space to gather, have conversations and to learn. 

It’s a space for creation, imagination and collaboration.

It’s high tech in soft surroundings.

‍

Stay tuned for more info and the official SOFTER Lab Launch invite!

‍

We are incredibly excited to welcome Tabitha Swanson to spend eight days with us in our new space, SOFTER Lab this April. Tabitha is a Berlin-based creative technologist, artist, and community organiser. During her residency, she’ll be bringing back her podcast SEEK/FIND, creating space for conversations about creativity, technology and beyond.

We had a little chat with her about her upcoming residency and her project SEEK/FIND, read more below:
‍

What project and themes will you be working on during your residency?

I’ll be working on bringing back my podcast through my initiative SEEK/FIND. SEEK/FIND started in 2021 as a podcast to interview creatives as we were all stuck inside during covid lockdown. We were no longer able to come together to show what we were working on, exchange ideas, and just hang out. I wanted to highlight the work of my friends and the greater creative community by creating a platform for them to speak about their creative journey, purpose in life, personal philosophy, cultural commentary, and more. 

‍

During covid, we were jolted out of our daily bustle and habits, forced to sit with ourselves and redefine who we were and what we wanted out of life. We were all forced to grow and change, which can be scary. Intense periods of fast growth are often accompanied by grief, grief of the departure of a past self or a past life. With endings, new beginnings follow, and this led to people seeking out their new meaning and path. 

‍

There’s a bible verse I sometimes think about, Matthew 7:7-8 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” 

‍

When we are in the process of seeking new meaning and exploration, we relinquish control and enter a state of vulnerability through openness. It’s a brave thing to do and when we seek, we ultimately do find (persistence is half the way). At the end of each podcast, I would always ask – “what are you seeking?" and "what have you found recently?” It was interesting to hear how people interpreted that question and what they said in response. 

‍

—

‍

I took a break from podcasting for a couple of years as the lockdown eased up and switched to more IRL events including: Behind the Seams (a fashion/tech panel talk) at The Hoxton, an AI Film Festival at Soho House Berlin, and an AI Soirée alongside Fotografiska. These events worked to create an environment where people could authentically speak about how they’re feeling about the current state of technology, creativity, and culture. The revival of this podcast will do the same <3

‍

Why are these themes important?

So many online spaces are completely astroturfed. There are bots everywhere and algorithms filtering everything. I think more than ever, we’re craving real human interaction and honest conversations.

‍

What do you hope to experience or learn from your residency?

I’m so excited to come back to podcasting after a multi-year break. In addition to giving me a space to host the podcast, Softer is bringing in a professional sound and recording person, which has never been my strong suit. I’m grateful for their support and interested to see where this project can go :)

‍

About Tabitha

Tabitha Swanson is a Berlin-based creative technologist, artist, researcher, and community organiser. She is the founder of SEEK/FIND, a technology and purpose-driven community initiative and podcast. Her artistic practice centers around thresholds, opposites, spirituality, and echos.

‍

Portrait by Laura Schaeffer

‍

Since we started SOFTER in 2020, aiming to bring softer values and aesthetics into our digital futures, we’ve been utilising various communication styles, shifting between our yearly conference spam, radio silence and the occasional telepathic transmission. This has mainly been due to the lack of time and resources as we both had to joggle freelance careers next to building SOFTER. It’s been a dream of ours to dedicate ourselves full time and truly focus on SOFTER. That’s why we are so excited to announce that for the first time, we’re both working full time on growing and nurturing SOFTER!

‍

In a way the rebrand and new website are marking the transition from a DIY passion project, run by just the two of us, to SOFTER Global, a growing organisation including more people, more locations and bigger dreams. 

‍

Even though we have been loving all the visual phases SOFTER has been going through (we even made a diagram of our past looks), we felt ready to create a more streamlined framework for our visual communication and a digital presence where everyone can follow what's happening (we haven’t actually had a fully working website for a couple of years, which is a bit awkward for a tech project).

‍

We’ve been reflecting on how our visual identity could accommodate the new directions SOFTER is taking in 2025. We want SOFTER to feel like a platform that gives space to others, and the visual identity to function as a frame, leaving room for more expressive identities and visuals to exist within it. A visual language that is soft enough to still feel like SOFTER but at the same time functional enough for other people to use it. 

‍

This has not been an easy task for us, and after a period of trying to come up with a solution ourselves, we felt like it was time to ask for help and get some new perspectives on how SOFTER could look, feel and be experienced. Mitsuko Sato (previous conference speaker) helped us rethink our visual identity, created our new logo and design system and designed the framework for our new website. Alissa Dunsmore (previous conference guest) built the website and translated Mitsuko’s design into a functional site with an amazing CMS. 

‍

The result is what you're looking at now; Soft, bold, bright and pink and we are super excited to see it unfold. And as you’ve probably noticed already, it’s very pink — we’ll dive much more into that later! 

‍

You can read more about Mitsuko and Alissa’s thoughts behind the identity and website in another blog post. Please explore and let us know what you think <3

‍

xoxo 

Ida and Nicole

‍