Reflective Robotics is a hands-on teaching approach that brings Human-Robot Interaction (HRI) into design education, connecting the dots between robotics, design, and somaesthetics. Instead of focusing purely on the technical side, we explore robotic behavior through sensory, embodied experiences—using movement, touch, and intuition as key tools for discovery.

Our method is grounded in Research through Design (RtD) and co-design practices, drawing on the maker mindset with Arduino-based prototyping and tools like TouchDesigner to make robotics more accessible and creative. We see education as a space for experimentation, not just instruction.

Inspired by Jeff Conklin’s idea of wicked problems and Donald Schön’s concept of reflective practice, we embrace the messy, iterative nature of design. Co-creating solutions means being open to change, navigating uncertainty, and learning as we go.

As educators in media and product design, we created this course to spark innovation by encouraging students to engage deeply with both biological and artificial environments—fostering dynamic, responsive ways of thinking and making.