Media 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: M260374102

Language of instruction English

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: M260374104

Language of instruction English

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: M260374103

Language of instruction English

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: M260374105

Language of instruction English

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.

Animation Production | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374118

Language of instruction English

3D Content Creation

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Various modeling techniques for objects, characters, and environments. • 3D animation: keyframes, interpolation, and motion sequences. • Texturing and materials: UV mapping, shading, and PBR workflows. • Lighting and rendering with real-time and ray tracing engines. • Generation of 3D assets for game and virtual production engines. • Practical project: Implementation of a self-designed 3D animation project.

Animation Production | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374119

Language of instruction English

Motion Design

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of motion design: timing, speed, and curve control. • Dynamic visualizations: kinetic typography and logo animation, infographics, and visual data interpretation. • Movement as a central narrative and stylistic device. • Software-independent theoretical background on animation and motion sequences. • Compositing for enhancing and supplementing film content. • Practical project: Implementation of a self-designed 2D animation project.

Production Pipeline | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374116

Language of instruction English

Film Production Environments

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Project management in media production: Workflows for small and large productions. • Fundamentals of interdisciplinary collaboration in film teams. • Professional folder structure and naming conventions. • Camera technology and image composition as creative tools: Lighting, perspectives, exposure techniques. • Shooting schedules and scripts.

Production Pipeline | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374117

Language of instruction English

Post Production Workflows

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Film editing in theory and practice. • Color correction, color spaces, and LUTs in production and post-production. • Color grading. • Professional codecs and export formats. • Sound recording and post-production of sound effects.

Project Work: Live-Action | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374120

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Live-Action Film Production

5.00

ECTS

3.00

SWS

• Concept and shooting planning: Storyboards, shot lists, production plans. • Camera technology and visual design for a self-developed concept: Lighting, camera movements, perspectives. • Directing and acting: Staging scenes, blocking. • Set design and production setup: Designing studio sets and on-location shoots. • Sound recording and post-production: Microphone techniques, soundscaping, Foley techniques. • Post-production and color correction. • Practical project: Production of a complete live-action short film. • Critical reflection on one’s own artistic style and creative independence.

Storytelling & Concept Creation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374115

Language of instruction English

Narrative Strategies for Media Design

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Narrative theories & dramaturgy: The hero’s journey, three-act structure, non-linear storytelling. • Cross-media storytelling: Application in film, animation, and interactive media. • Character development & emotional impact: Psychology in storytelling. • World-building & immersive narratives in time-based media.

Storytelling & Concept Creation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374114

Language of instruction English

Script & Storyboard for Media Productions

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Iterative development of original creative ideas. • Visual storytelling: The role of the storyboard in media production. • Fundamentals of screenwriting: Structure, character development, dialogue writing. • Storyboards and animatics: Visual translation of scripts into images. • Film language: Shot, editing, sequence, and perspective.

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: M260374204

Language of instruction English

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: M260374203

Language of instruction English

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: M260374205

Language of instruction English

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).

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Animation | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374220

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Animation Production

5.00

ECTS

3.00

SWS

• Interdisciplinary teamwork with illustrators and designers: workflow, communication, and feedback processes. • Pre-production and concept development: storyboards, style definition, animatics. • 2D and 3D animation pipelines in a professional environment. • Music and music editing. • Rendering and exporting according to project-specific requirements. • Practical project: development of a complete, project-based animated short film.

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Experiential Media Spaces | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374219

Language of instruction English

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: Experiential Media Spaces | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374218

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Performative Media Spaces

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of immersive media and various presentation methods such as projection mapping or multi-screen content. • Technical aspects of creating media content for unconventional presentation formats. • Practical project: Development of an interactive or immersive media project.

Storytelling & Visualisation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374215

Language of instruction English

AI for Visual Storytelling

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Current generative AI tools for content creation in the preparation and production of media projects. • AI to support design processes and bring ideas to life. • Asset generation and integration of AI tools into modern production processes. • Ethical issues and future perspectives: Responsibility in the use of AI for media production.

Storytelling & Visualisation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374214

Language of instruction English

Cinematic & Commercial Storytelling

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Pitching fundamentals: Structure of a compelling pitch deck. • Storytelling for pitches: Narrative techniques for visualizing ideas. • Pitch deck design: Visual elements, branding, key visuals. • Pitch formats & market analysis: Festival pitches, investor presentations. • Practical project: Creating and presenting your own pitch deck.

Virtual & Post Production | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374217

Language of instruction English

Advanced Post Production

2.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Advanced compositing techniques for film and animation. • Advanced color correction and grading techniques. • Sound mastering for film projects. • AI-powered automation in VFX and post-production. • Workflow integration: Linking editing, compositing, and sound post-production.

Virtual & Post Production | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374216

Language of instruction English

Virtual Production Environments

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Virtual production environments. • Real-time rendering: Setup, shaders, lighting, and material systems. • Live camera tracking and performance capture. • Hybrid workflows between CGI and live action: On-set integration of visual effects. • Practical project: Implementation of a virtual scene with real-time rendering.

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: M260374302

Language of instruction English

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: M260374304

Language of instruction English

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 Animation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374314

Language of instruction English

AI in Narrative Filmmaking

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Current generative AI tools for content creation in pre-production, production, and post-production. • AI as support in media production processes at all levels. • Considerations and experiences regarding the use of AI tools in different work phases and to varying degrees. • Practical project: Production of a narrative short film using AI production tools.

Advanced Animation | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374313

Language of instruction English

Individual Animation Project

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Individual project development encompassing concept, storyboard, visual style, and production methodology. • Advanced training in 2D and 3D animation techniques: character and object animation. • Workflow optimization and style development: combining classic and experimental methods. • Mentoring and feedback loops throughout the iterative work process. • Practical project: creation of a custom animated short film.

Advanced Live-Action | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374311

Language of instruction English

Advanced Live-Action Film Production

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Conceptualization and planning of a story structure with a focus on visual effects. • Set design and camera work for VFX. • Preparation and planning of actor interaction with VFX. • Production using virtual production technologies. • Post-production using current AI tools. • Practical project: Filming and production of a short VFX-based film.

Advanced Live-Action | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374312

Language of instruction English

Compositing, VFX & AI Workflows

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• VFX software and pipeline from pre- to post-production. • 3D integration and CGI in live-action film. • Camera tracking and matchmoving: Integration of virtual elements. • Color correction and look development: Color matching between CGI and live action.

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Immersive Spaces | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374317

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Media Production for Immersive Spaces

5.00

ECTS

3.00

SWS

• Unusual presentation formats: Media in public spaces and artistic contexts. • Dynamic and generative media art: Algorithms, real-time visualization, and audio-reactive workflows. • Hardware and software solutions for presenting immersive media projects. • Practical project: Implementation of an experimental media art project in an unconventional format. • Sustainability aspects of media installations.

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Media Showcase | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374316

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Interactive Media Exhibits

3.00

ECTS

2.00

SWS

• Fundamentals of interactive media installations: Sensors, control systems, and user interfaces. • Technical and design implementation of immersive environments. • Content creation for interactive installations. • Audience participation and user experience: Engagement, interface design, and intuitive control. • Practical project: Development of an interactive or immersive media installation.

Interdisciplinary Project Work: Media Showcase | Project Thesis (PA) | Coursecode: M260374315

Language of instruction English

Project Work: Media Design Showcase

2.00

ECTS

1.00

SWS

• Development of an interdisciplinary exhibition project: concept and curatorial considerations. • Collaborative media production in cooperation with students from other specializations. • Storytelling in the exhibition space: scenography, digital narratives, interactive elements. • Technical implementation & infrastructure: lighting, sound, AV systems, digital control. • Public relations & marketing: communication with the media, documentation of the exhibition. • Practical project: organization of a public exhibition or presentation.

Master Coaching | Seminar (SE) | Coursecode: M260374401

Language of instruction English

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: M260374402

Language of instruction English

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: M260374404

Language of instruction English

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: M260374403

Language of instruction English

Master's Thesis

24.00

ECTS

0.50

SWS

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