We catch magnons

Wir fangen Magnons (We catch magnons) is an interactive webcomic focusing on the processes and people around science. Technically it offers an immersive reading experience using animations, sound, mini-games and a variety of external links to explore the world of experimental physics. The four stories in the webcomic are based on the research of physicists in the exciting field of magnonics. They cover different aspects of the scientific world that are rarely portrayed in the media, such as the scientific process behind final results or international collaborations. The aim of the comic is to attract a wide and diverse audience. The interactive features of the comic open the door to a stimulating and tailored reading for different groups. Moreover, the different backgrounds of the characters in the comic allow for a strong emotional identification with them. This WKP-Project, based on theFWF Projekt I 4917-N MagFunc, is the fruit of the collaboration between the scientists at the AG Nanomagnetism and Magnonics and an experienced and talented group of creatives. Thanks to that, the narrative is presented in both an aesthetically compelling and scientifically sound manner.

The interactive webcomic "Catching Magnons!" (https://www.magnon-comic.at/) offers an innovative view into the world of research. Directly scroll the story on your mobile phone and experience first hand the work of the scientists at the Nanomagnetism and Magnonics group of the Faculty of Physics at the University of Vienna. We can assure you that you have never read a comic this way: the soundtrack, embedded games and animations, provide a unique experience in science communication. We want readers to see how experimental science is actually conducted. For example, you can learn how journal articles are published or repair yourself an experimental set-up. During the story, you will follow actual scientists of the research group, including a PhD student, a postdoc, and the group leader. The comic is ideal for students who want to discover how research works in an entertaining and motivating way. The mobile-optimized reading experience adapts the content to the favorite medium of the youth. The target audience is not only young people, but everyone interested in seeing how science works behind the headlines. In a time of skepticism or open confrontation towards scientific institutions, it is important to try new ways of bringing the research world closer to the public. The mix of popular formats, such as digital media and comics, is meant to break the gap between how science is traditionally communicated and how people normally consume media. For example, readers can after learn about spin waves with an animated model, and then play a game, in which, through modification of amplitude and frequency, they can create waves. The story brings into the spotlight issues around the everyday life of scientists, that are rarely seen by the public. How many people are involved in the preparation of an experiment? How does one come from an idea to a published paper in a journal? How long does it take from the phase of basic research to real-world implementation? These and many other questions are answered in "Catching mangnons!". The collaboration between members of the Nanomagnetism and Magnonics group and the creative team of the studio DERGESTALT has provided a rare opportunity to experiment with science communication. The scientists could share their personal experience and knowledge, which then has been turned into an interactive story, always keeping the scientific correctness of the information given. The result: an innovative digital reading experience between science and entertainment.