The course

Industrial Design discipline within the Industrial Design bachelor's course

Start of course

Winter semester, first-semester students per year: 30-35

Standard duration of course

8 semesters, B.A. − final thesis in 8th semester

Fees

There are no university fees

University and examination regulations

Link to relevant regulations (available only in German)

Application

Information for course applicants

Master's course

Industrial Design

Focuses of this course of study

Solving practical, forward-looking issues in complex living environments (material and non-material products, processes) 

Aim of the course

This course of study (including the B.A. final thesis in the 8th semester) develops basic skills in industrial design: the identification of opportunities and areas of activity, the confidence to develop independent solutions, a feel for quality, communication and management skills, teamwork and the willingness to take on responsibility. Graduates of the Industrial Design course will have the ability to initiate and implement design processes in inter-disciplinary teams, and thus also to establish their own career path in design studios, in agencies or as independent designers. 

Course of study and teaching content

Up to the 4th semester, the students acquire basic skills in technical and natural sciences, humanities, methodology, visual design and media technology – as they relate to fundamental projects that are broad-based in terms of conception and playfulness. Supplementary course elements (design theory, ergonomics, special media technology, rapid prototyping etc.) can also be included, depending on the focus of the actual projects carried out. In place of finished product designs, a methodical approach and the encouragement of experimentation and visionary thinking are the goals involved here in working on design tasks of low to medium complexity.

From the 5th semester onwards, project topics are treated that are derived from practical issues in complex living environments (material and non-material products, processes). Problems and processes that arise in association with high-technology are becoming increasingly important here. Depending on their own preferences, students are also free to choose between projects and are guided here by the teaching staff, who have their own specific areas of interest. Training is provided here for the entire spectrum of design techniques, right through to computer-assisted design. Practical placements and study abroad – supported by third-level exchange programmes – are also a feature of the course. In the project, students are supported in formulating original solution approaches and concepts, in implementing these in an independent manner, and in taking responsibility for their own work in order to further develop their own professional profiles.

Prerequisites

General qualification for university entrance, and artistic suitability. Six-month pre-university practical experience period in woodwork, metalwork or plastics processing, in graphics, design, model-building; craft or commercial vocational training with similar activities can also be recognised as a pre-university practical experience period.

Occupational field

Industrial designers are specialists who plan and structure all aspects of industrial and technology-related design process steps (products/systems/processes) and work together with people responsible for the development, manufacturing, distribution and servicing of products in order to implement these process steps. Modern technologies are giving rise to continuous growth in the areas of design and work open to industrial designers: alongside physical products (consumer goods, machines, equipment, systems), increasing importance is also attached to digital products and non-material design concepts (virtual worlds, media scenarios and interactive processes). This course of study equips students with the professional skills required for the design of imaginative and efficient objects, systems, spaces and processes.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Brief information

  • Discipline within the Industrial Design course of study
  • Basic design and art skills
  • Subject-specific project
  • Support for students in setting their own areas of focus
  • Accompanying course elements in sciences and theory