Information Design

Animation, special techniques, various render technologies, post production

Programming for designers using client-based web technologies

User-centred design process models,; methods to analyse the users' requirements such as contextual interviews, focus groups, diary studies and task analysis, creation of personas, scenarios and storyboards; paper prototypes and iterative design; methods are tried out according to real-world tasks set

The second part of the course "creative texting" presents various tools and methods for the development and refinement of an individual style in writing and texting. Practical examples taken from journalism and literature help to demonstrate how to discard unnecessary verbal ballast, how to breathe new life into sterile texts, how to tell things instead of just listing them, how to expand or to compress information. The content of the course focuses on micro-narratives, on texts for personal presentation and product depiction. Special editorial projects will concentrate on the text forms necessary for Social Media, Blogs and a spectrum of marketing purposes. Targets: Enabling the students to identify stylistically problematic sequences within texts and to enhance them - Training the students to understand the principles of textual coherence and cohesion. Enable them to analyze texts according to the criteria of coherence and cohesion…

Students extend their reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in English. They also build on their vocabulary and grammar as well as learn how to use language appropriately in different situations. Apart from Grammar, topics relevant for Information Design include How to write a blogpost, The Future, The Evolution of Technical Devices, Success, Amazon, Google, Applying for a job as a designer, Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter, Work and Jobs, Job Satisfaction, Writing Formal Texts, Presentations, etc.

Pop Art, crossing of boundaries in Op Art, Minimal Art, sculptural and expansive art; art of the 21st century and its aesthetical and conceptual attitudes; acquisition of design skills based on project-oriented tasks set;

Discussion on and presentation of theoretical and artistic basics of Information Design

Introduction to the local/regional design scene; visit of external design-relevant hot spots

Presentation of some important graphic and communication designers and their works. Defining of communication forums, communication patterns, communication rituals and communication merits as well as its visual implementation in theory and practice.

Practical exercises in the following fields: structuring of texts, type design on paper and on the computer

Working on the content and design of an exhibition concept in an interdisciplinary process; on the basis of a given topic the different steps in the development starting from the idea until the presentation of the concept are taught.

Imparting of basic knowledge in screen design as well as target-oriented use of specific software for the design of interactive screens in line with industry standards.

Draft, graphic realisation and analysis of the technical realisation of computer games in small groups; research of diverse gaming mechanisms.

The students are introduced to writing critical texts and reviews. Basic elements and steps of opinion oriented writing are presented: analysis, exact description, contextualisation, symptomatisation, story telling etc. These techniques are supposed to help students with writing project write ups and press releases. Apart from the analysis of text examples and the discussion of phrasing the course focuses on original texts. The students should also get an insight into proof reading and editorial work. Targets: The students understand what criticism in journalism means. They can identify a good and a bad review. The students understand what objectivity and opinions mean in the journalistic context. The students can differentiate between various types of review. The students see that story telling is the basis of reviewing. The students understand the difference between merely listing and telling a story…

Current trends in multimedia-based art; computer graphics and installation, net art and its technical implications; interactive art projects in a social and corporate context; analysis of various artistic strategies and self-reflection on own work pieces;

Basics of consumer behaviour and of brand management: consumer behaviour, brand management (segmenting, positioning, brand strategies - brand extension, visual perception and knowledge representation)

Short overview of the most important media theories of the 20th century; classification of media; basics of linguistics and semiotics; research on effects; acquisition of analysis capabilities and of the potential for implementation of own work pieces

Criteria of good presentations (target group orientation, structure, visualisation, use of media, posture, interaction); effect of different presentations on our perception, behaviour, remembrance, reaction of the audience;

Development of narrative forms, production concept, production design, camera and lighting technology, sound recording technology, media technological content such as technical formats, codecs, etc.

Audio recording, sound mixing, mastering, sequencing, generative methods of sound production, sound design in multimedia environments and in video productions

Basics of audio recording, of studio technology, of sound processing and editing

Basics of video editing and postproduction, handling of relevant video editing software, implementation of sound and visual effects into the video production

Introduction to and consolidation in the field of visual communication by carrying out application-oriented competition projects. Students learn to professionally handle and realise client orders: logo design, corporate design, editorial design, type design, web design. They use new technologies such as laser cut and 3d print. Briefing, drafting, research into materials, working on topcis and content, quantification and quality management, time schedules, calculation and exclusive exploitation rights.

Basics and conception of dynamic images; basics of research into components, programming languages, specific use of creative instruments, development of a typography, colour and form canon

Contemporary art in an interdisciplinary context; performative arts; art in public space; analysis of and reflection on the system of "art" and the market of "art"; specific practical tasks concerning the state-of-the-art mainstream;

Acquisition of the basics of communication psychology for efficient, effective and target-oriented meetings and negotiations; getting to know methods of negotiations and moderation;

Introduction to current media theories, emphasizing audiovisual and numerical media; discussion on media phenomena; independent work on communication models on the basis of specific tasks given; problematisation of media, theory and technology;

Individual work on everybody's own portfolio for their internship applications

Conceptual and media-technological basics of the design of interactive environments, digital media architectures and alternative interaction scenarios.

User interface patterns and standards; information architecture; display and visualisation of information; transition from user interface to service design, digital prototypes

The lecture gives an overview of the following topics: 1) Basic terms: profit, rentability, portfolio-analysis, market, market segmentation, target group,  2) Project management: objectives, deliverables, time management, budgeting, leadership, project controlling, communication and culture. 3) Business plan: Executive Summary, Team, Product/Service, target group, Marketing, Management & Organisation, To-Do-List, SWOT analysis, profit& loss statement, balance sheet, financing (Group work) 4) Marketing and Marketing-Mix  5) Financing & Management accounting 6) Labour / tax legislation

Content-based and multilingual treatment of the results of the research unit; conception and realisation of a content management based visualisation strategy

Realisation of a concrete project in the field of infographics, web design or iterative visualisations.

Foundation of virtual companies with emphasis on interaction design according to visionary and market-relevant considerations (including CI/CD, business plan, market presence, acquire, conception and realisation of projects)

Imparting of technical skills in the field of video postproduction, especially in the field of animation, of 3D design, of 3D animation, of multimedia authoring, conceptual and contextual supervision of the "real world" projects, supportive inputs concerning media economy and production methods.

Consolidation of concepts and realisations: ideas and concept realisations , communication design is experienced in concrete practical projects. Project handling from conception to result. Central project work and external projects or design competitions.

Definition and analysis of advertising campaigns; recognition of strategies behind creative and extra-ordinary realisations; differentiation between the idea itself and marketing strategies

Discussion on and presentation of the future of Information Design

Visits of international design-relevant hot spots

Skills to work independently on academic research as basis for the work on their bachelor's thesis; spirit and purpose of academic research; cognitive interest; thesis formulation; critical look on texts; literature research; quotation rules; structure; text composition

Supervision of and critical reflection on the respective topic

The aim is to gain a basic understanding of the legal situation and a problem awareness for the practical application; overview of the intangible property right; copy right; protection of trademarks, patterns and patents;

Change of meaning of package design, visions for the future and new technologies, communication of the POS, possibilities of communication of packaging, psychological effects of colours and forms, the trend towards added benefits, marketing, advertisement and branding. Development of packaging.

Phase 1: getting to know and training of project management competencies (professional competencies: time management, leadership, sticking to schedules: systematic competences: use of platforms and PM tools, checklists; social skills: online communication and interaction with clients and in the team; personal competencies: learning to learn, defining and reaching goals, personal responsibility) Learning collaboratively, independent learning - reflecting on applied online activities and findings - developing implementation strategies for their own problem solving; Phase 2: application of the content imparted by means of a concrete practical project including documentation of the project on the basis of a handbook.

In public space (indoors and/or outdoors) design interventions are carried out. The aim is to critically question the norms and everyday behaviour and in terms of design.

Design versus beautification; design as a medium to improve the living conditions of the inhabitants; sustainability as an essential factor in the design process; future of design; realisation of a theoretical approach in concrete projects resp. project visions.

Consolidation of: usability evaluation, user-centred design, user interface design, information architecture, information visualisation and service design.

Dynamic information systems in the internet: planning and developing of web-backend scenarios; data bases and server-based programming languages

Conception and realisation of practical projects and working on tasks set in the area of interface design, interactive media design, game design an screen design. Guest lectures and workshops by national and international designers.

Animation, video postproduction, sound design, 3D design, TV design, media dramaturgy

Major Communication Design: ideas and concept realisation. Communication design is realised on the basis of concrete practical projects. projects. Project handling from conception to result. Central project work and external projects or design competitions. Discussion of current design practises. Reflecting on and criticising one's own work and work pieces of others. Teamwork.

Practical activity

Supervision of and critical reflection on the respective topic

Reflection on the internship