Communication Design

Design Impact | Lecture (VO) | Coursecode: M260374101

Language of instruction English

Design Processes & Methodologies

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Understanding Design: Understanding design as an interdisciplinary, cultural, and strategic practice. • Design Processes and Models: Understanding and applying approaches in the design process. • Levels of Design Impact: Analyzing and classifying design at the micro, meso, and macro levels. • Design History & Societal Trends: Reflecting on historical design trends and applying them to current contexts. • Ideation & Creativity: Developing and communicating ideas in a structured way. • Media Theory & Communication: Understanding the fundamentals of media communication and its significance for design. • Human Factors & Ergonomics: User-centered design, usability, physical and cognitive ergonomics. • Design Ethics & Responsibility: Reflecting on ethical issues and the societal impact of design. • Role Reflection: Critically examining and positioning one’s own role and attitude as a designer.

Design Impact | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375101

Language of instruction German

Individual Skills Lab

3.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Individual analysis of existing design skills and tool knowledge. • In-depth study of design fundamentals in selected focus areas. • Application of technical and digital tools. • Methods for targeted self-development and portfolio expansion. • Reflection on work processes and learning experiences. • Documentation of individual development.

Design Research: Foundation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375103

Language of instruction German

Design Discourse: Exploration

1.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Designing within a social, cultural, and political context. • Exploring responsibility, ethics, and design as a contribution to the design discourse. • Reflecting on own design mindset and position within the design field. • Exploring research-based, speculative, and discursive design approaches. • Analyzing current topics and debates. • Exploring the regional creative landscape and activities. • Networking students with key partners in the creative industries. • Conducting independent exploratory research.

Design Research: Foundation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375102

Language of instruction German

Design Research Lab: Foundations

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Introduction to research in design and fundamental concepts of creative research. • Formulating creative research questions vs. artistic research. • Research philosophies: ontology, epistemology, axiology, etc. • Paradigms: positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism. • Research design and decision-making. • Introduction to contemporary critical design practices. • Fundamentals: academic writing, citation, research (literature & visual media), prototyping (low-fi focus).

Design Research: Foundation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375104

Language of instruction German

Independent Design Research: Frame

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Identifying and defining own research interests. • Recognizing societal, ethical, and interdisciplinary relevance. • Formulating initial research questions, objectives, and methodological approaches. • Using low-fidelity prototypes as tools for reserach and communication. • Positioning within the research and design field. • Utilizing critical contemporary design approaches for ideation.

Communication & Identities | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375106

Language of instruction German

Branding & Corporate Identities

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of branding and corporate identity • Development of brand strategies • Design of visual identities • Planning of brand communication • Theoretical and practical exploration of case studies and current trends • Importance of strong brands for business success

Communication & Identities | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375105

Language of instruction German

Communication & Design

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of visual design (rhythm, proportions, theories, etc.) • Most important design principles • Key milestones in design • Relationship between design, communication, and society • Implementation of illustration, typography, and images as design tools

Communication & Identities | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375107

Language of instruction German

Communication Design History

1.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• History of communication design • Historical developments from graphic design to digital design • Significant movements and stylistic developments • Important national and international designers

Digital & Signage | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375111

Language of instruction German

Wayfinding & Signage Design

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Development of design-led orientation concepts within a spatial context • Visual constants for orientation guides • Wayfinding systems in the space

Digital & Signage | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375110

Language of instruction German

Web & App: Interface Design

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Introduction to traditional web design • User interface design • Design principles of responsive visual interfaces • Workflow from conception to production of websites, apps, and screen-based communication solutions

Project Work: Production | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260375112

Language of instruction German

Project Work: Communication & Production

5.00

ECTS

3.00

SWS

• Course content and insights from theoretical subjects are applied to practical tasks and projects (ideally with real clients) • Focus on practical production in the field of communication design

Typography & Systems | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375109

Language of instruction German

Design Systems

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Experimental exploration of design issues • Experimental use of tools (hardware, software) • Development of design systems • Creativity techniques and workflows • Experimenting with the boundaries of typography, visual impact, etc.

Typography & Systems | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375108

Language of instruction German

Typography & Editorial Design

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Introduction to traditional editorial design • Workflow from conception to production • Creation of books, magazines, newspapers, and brochures • Exploring optimal text readability • Functional and target-group-appropriate design • Microtypography (focusing on layout and readability) • Macrotypography (primarily concerned with design aspects) • Use and creation of typefaces • Academic and practical approach to typographic issues

Design Professional | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: M260374201

Language of instruction English

Leadership & Project Management

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of project management: Introduction to classic and agile methodologies. • Leadership in design: Leadership styles, team dynamics, and motivational strategies in a creative context. • Project planning and control: Goal setting, time and resource management, prioritization, and deadlines. • Communication and stakeholder management: Effective communication with teams, clients, and other stakeholders. • Risk management: Identifying and assessing risks and developing strategies for risk mitigation. • Tools and technologies: Introduction to digital tools for project management and teamwork. • Feedback and reflection: Methods for analyzing and evaluating project results. • Sustainability in project management: Considering ecological, social, and economic aspects in project planning.

Design Professional | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: M260374202

Language of instruction English

Media Law

2.00

ECTS

1.50

SWS

• Fundamentals of media law and their relevance to design practice. • Copyright and licensing: Handling creative works. • Trademark and design protection: Protecting logos, designs, and brand identities. • Personal rights and data protection: GDPR-compliant media design and handling sensitive data. • Legal aspects of digitalization: Using digital tools from a legal perspective. • Contract law in design: Drafting and understanding project contracts, work agreements, and licenses. • Accessibility: Legal requirements for inclusive design in the analog and digital realms. • Practical examples: Analyzing real-world legal cases and their implications for everyday design practice. • Ethical responsibility: Legal decisions at the intersection of ethics and social impact. • Subject-specific legal issues corresponding to the chosen study track.

Design Research: Application | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375202

Language of instruction German

Design Discourse: Excursion

1.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Visiting and analyzing professional fields of practice (e.g., agencies, studios, museums, companies, research institutions). • Engaging with contemporary design positions, working methods, and strategies. • Exchanging ideas with stakeholders from design, culture, and the creative industries. • Observing and reflecting on the social, cultural, and economic contexts of design. • Discussing interdisciplinary connections and institutional frameworks. • Documenting and analyzing the content of field trips within a design and theoretical context.

Design Research: Application | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375201

Language of instruction German

Design Research Lab: Inquiry

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• In-depth exploration of applied research paradigms. • Mixed methods, practice-based and practice-led research. • Literature and contextual analysis as part of creative research. • Overview of methods and their alignment with paradigms and analytical approaches. • Visual and multisensory methods for data collection. • Research through making: documentation and interpretation of design processes. • Planning research projects: objectives, scope, feasibility. • Validity and reliability in design-related research contexts. • Application of the research matrix: research questions, objectives, methods, outputs, and outcomes.

Design Research: Application | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375203

Language of instruction German

Independent Design Research: Field

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Defining own research interests and applying initial methods for gaining knowledge. • Methodical data collection and interpretation within a design context. • Developing a preliminary research concept for two ideas (objectives, methods, feasibility).

Content Production & Strategy | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375205

Language of instruction German

Campaigning Strategies

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of campaign planning and implementation • Campaign concept development • Target group definition • Choosing the right communication channels • Integrated campaigns • Linking online and offline activities

Content Production & Strategy | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375204

Language of instruction German

Photography & Content Production

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of analog and digital photography • Knowledge of creating high-quality content for various media • Technical handling • Visual design and image composition • Production of content for various platforms such as social media, websites, and print media

Content Production & Studios | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375208

Language of instruction German

Design Studios 1

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Analysis of existing state-of-the-art examples. • Expansion of design repertoire. • Deepening of knowledge in communication design. • Analysis and reflection of design workflows. • Development of a profound understanding of professional procedures in design projects.

Content Production & Studios | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375207

Language of instruction German

Experiment, AI & Creativity

1.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Experimental exploration of design issues. • Development of new methods and techniques for the design process. • Creativity techniques and workflows. • Practical application of artificial intelligence in design. • Image generation and idea generation. • Use of AI tools as a source of inspiration and as a tool for implementing innovative design ideas. • Focus on developing individual design styles. • Addressing the ethical dimension of artificial intelligence and the technology’s impact on the design process.

Content Production & Studios | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375206

Language of instruction German

Illustration

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Learning various illustration techniques • Analog and digital workflows • Developing your own small illustrations • Creative implementation of ideas • Developing a personal illustration style

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Storytelling & Media | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260375210

Language of instruction German

Project Work: Cross Media Lab

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Interdisciplinary collaboration in media design across all specializations. • Creative workshops with international partners. • Presentation techniques for interactive media projects: pitching and showcasing. • Networking and industry contacts: guest lectures by international media professionals. • Practical project: development of a collaborative design experiment as a team.

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Storytelling & Media | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260375209

Language of instruction German

Project Work: Storytelling & Animation

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of visual storytelling and animation. • Learn how to conceive stories for digital media, structure them dramatically, and bring them to life through animation. • Focus on narrative structures, character development, timing, and movement principles. • Transforming creative concepts into moving images. • Effective and engaging animations for various media formats.

Project Work: Experiment | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260375211

Language of instruction German

Project Work: Experiment & Production

5.00

ECTS

3.00

SWS

• Course content and insights from theoretical subjects are applied to practical tasks and projects (ideally with real clients). • Focus on practical and experimental production in the field of communication design.

Design Business | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: M260374301

Language of instruction English

Design Business & Entrepreneurship

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Career paths in design: freelance work, in-house design, studio work, start-up work, agency work. • Proposal development: structure, formulation, pricing. • Fundamentals of project costs, time expenditure, usage rights, fee structures. • Client communication: briefing, expectations, negotiation. • Business thinking in design: target groups, customer benefits, value proposition. • Legal & organizational aspects: types of contracts, freelance work, commercial work, collaborations. • Personal positioning, competitiveness, and entrepreneurial self-reflection. • Sustainability and responsibility in the economic context of design.

Design Business | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375301

Language of instruction German

Design Ethics & Intercultural Aspects

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Fundamental concepts of design ethics: responsibility, impact, transparency, power. • Social justice, inclusion, and accessibility in design. • Design in the context of current social issues. • Critical examination of normative design traditions. • Design as a cultural practice: conveying values, symbolism, narratives. • Sustainability and ethical positioning in the ecological and social context. • Reflection on own attitude, impact, and responsibility as a designer.

Design Research: Creation | Lecture/Practical (IL) | Coursecode: M260374303

Language of instruction English

Design Research Lab: Thesis Proposal

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Reflexivity and positionality in research. • Axiological foundations and ethical research practices. • Structural models for designing master’s theses. • Developing arguments through design-oriented research. • Integrating theory, findings, and iterative design processes. • Strategies for documenting creative research. • Formats of dissemination: academic papers, design artifacts, exhibitions. • Reflection on the knowledge gained and its contribution to design practice. • Introduction to relevant research journals and conferences.

Design Research: Creation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375302

Language of instruction German

Independent Design Research: Focus

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Development of a complete research proposal. • Integration of theoretical, design, and methodological components. • Reflection on the scientific and societal relevance of a chosen topic. • Scientific communication: abstract, paper, poster.

Advanced Communication Design | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375303

Language of instruction German

Generative Design

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Introduction to the fundamentals of algorithmic design. • Application of algorithms and programming techniques to generate complex visuals. • Creative use of software tools and development of custom algorithms.

Advanced Communication Design | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375304

Language of instruction German

Information & Data Visualisation

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of data visualization. • Conversion of complex data into visual representations. • Communicating information clearly and engagingly. • Focusing on selecting appropriate visualization techniques. • Designing informative and aesthetically pleasing data visualizations.

Commerce & Studios | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375305

Language of instruction German

Advertising

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of advertising design. • Market segmentation. • Developing creative communication concepts. • Exploring various advertising media. • Learning how to develop and effectively communicate target-group-relevant messages.

Commerce & Studios | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375307

Language of instruction German

Design Studios 2

1.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Analysis of existing state-of-the-art examples. • Expansion of design repertoire. • Deepening of knowledge in communication design. • Analysis and reflection of design workflows. • Development of a profound understanding of professional procedures in design projects.

Commerce & Studios | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375306

Language of instruction German

Digital Design

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Acquisition of the necessary knowledge and skills to design innovative digital products and services. • Learning how to design user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) that are both aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly. • Consideration of current trends and technologies such as responsive design, microinteractions, and motion design. • Developing an understanding of how digital products and services influence user behavior. • In-depth exploration of the principles of user experience.

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Exhibition | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260375308

Language of instruction German

Project Work: Exhibition Design

4.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Interdisciplinary collaboration with students from other disciplines to organize an exhibition at the end of the semester. • Public presentation of the results of various courses. • Development of the visual concept and exhibition design. • Promotion of the event. • Design and conception of exhibits.

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Exhibition | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260375309

Language of instruction German

Project Work: Sound & Visual Communication

1.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Integration of auditory and visual content. • Bidirectional relationship between two design disciplines. • How does visual content sound? • How does acoustic information look when interpreted graphically? • Sound is interpreted visually, and visual content is made audibly perceptible.

Project Work: Open Spaces | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260375310

Language of instruction German

Project Work: Open Spaces

5.00

ECTS

3.00

SWS

• Course content and insights from theoretical subjects are applied to practical tasks and projects (ideally with real clients). • Focus on practical production in the field of communication design. • Creation of exhibits that are presented to the public.

Master Coaching | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375401

Language of instruction German

Portfolio Coaching

2.00

ECTS

1.50

SWS

• Independent analysis and development of an individual portfolio to professionally showcase design competence and mindset. • Selection, curation, and preparation of relevant projects in suitable media formats. • Reflection on personal interests, values, and position within the interdisciplinary design context. • Creation of consistent visual and content-related communication. • Preparation for job applications or presentations through feedback and peer coaching. • Independent technical and content-related development.

Master Coaching | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260375402

Language of instruction German

Thesis Seminar

3.00

ECTS

1.50

SWS

• Process of writing a master’s thesis. • Deepening discipline-specific competencies and scientific skills.

Master Thesis | Modul/Final Examination (FA) | Coursecode: M260375404

Language of instruction German

Master's Examination

1.00

ECTS

0.00

SWS

• Presentation and defense of the master’s thesis. • Oral examination on curriculum-relevant topics.

Master Thesis | Master's Thesis (MA) | Coursecode: M260375403

Language of instruction German

Master's Thesis

24.00

ECTS

0.50

SWS

• Independent execution of a research project. • Independent writing of a master’s thesis.