Characteristic of the design department is the close interlinking of the degree programmes Interface, Communication and Product Design and European Media Studies, a cooperation project with the University of Potsdam. This networking enables a unique, interdisciplinary educational profile with strong research and practical relevance, which is reflected in numerous projects, exhibitions and cooperations each year. Close cooperation with business and cultural institutions as well as a lively exchange between teachers, students and international universities characterise the learning atmosphere.
Design
Department
Degrees
Interface Design (B. A.)
The innovative degree program combines user experience (UX) with user interface design (UI) and a great deal of creativity. Digital devices and systems are only accessible to us via the interface. The interface makes abstract processes tangible – interfaces provide us with information and enable us to control processes.
Communication Design (B. A.)
From the smallest characters to complex campaigns – the task of communication designers is to convey information, messages and news in an exciting and emotional, but also clear and understandable way. We prepare you for the diverse professions in the creative and media industry.
Product Design (B. A.)
With their work, product designers have a significant influence on the comprehensibility, sustainability, attractiveness and, last but not least, on the acceptance and thus also on the social and market success of a product.
European Media Studies (B. A.)
Media should mediate. Because they are constantly gaining in importance with new technologies and cultural practices, the European Media Studies course is based on a broad concept of media. It encompasses a variety of media techniques and practices – with an international perspective and a focus on European cultural, media and legal areas. As a cooperative study program of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and the University of Potsdam, the course combines aesthetic-theoretical and cultural-historical knowledge with practical media technology and design.
European Media Studies (M. A.)
The Master’s degree course in European Media Studies is a cooperative degree course offered by the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and the University of Potsdam. The course combines aesthetic-theoretical and cultural-historical knowledge with practical media technology and design. Fundamental questions about theories, histories and manifestations of the media are combined with conceptual strategies. Reflecting on and with media promotes research work that independently combines theory and practice.
Design (M. A.)
The world that surrounds us is a visual one. Its appearance expands our imagination, inspires our ideas and shapes our dreams. Practical and theoretical research into the transformative power of design is carried out in the Master’s degree program. Students can set and deepen their individual focus in the areas of interface, communication and product design. It is also possible to join one of our thematic clusters. We look forward to researching and shaping the world of tomorrow with you!
Interdisciplinarity and choice
The study system of the Design Department is focused on the permeability of the degree courses: Only around 50 % of the design subjects have to be completed from the degree program in which the students are enrolled, the other 50 % can be taken from the courses offered in the other design degree programs.
Courses in the module groups Design Basics, Theory, Workshop Practice or Perspectives and Social Skills in the first stage of studies and all module groups in the second stage of studies are generally offered across all degree programs. This trains students to think beyond disciplinary boundaries at an early stage.
News from the Department
More news
Study & Teaching
Press release
Teaching platform for "Parametric Design" wins Inclusive Design Award
"Parametric Design" wins the Inclusive Design Award in the "Expert" category and the additional gold award from the Institute of Universal Design (IUD)
Awards
Press release
Germany Scholarships awarded to 29 students
In the 2024/25 funding period, Germany Scholarships were awarded to 29 outstanding students from a large number of applicants. The students receive 300 euros per month for one year. Since the start of the programme, Potsdam University of Applied Sciences, in cooperation with numerous partners and…
Event
Press release
Inaugural lecture by Prof Dr Helga Schmid
To mark her appointment as Professor of Design Theory and Design Research at the Department of Design, Prof Dr Helga Schmid will give her inaugural lecture entitled: "TAKE YOUR TIME - Take your time and redefine it!".
Study & Teaching
Press release
Social Robotic Lab: University of Applied Sciences Potsdam researches the future of human-robot interaction
A pioneering research project in the field of human-robot interaction is being launched at the Department of Design at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam under the direction of Prof. Dr Frank Heidmann, Research Professor for Design of Software Interfaces. Funded by the European Regional…
Impressions from the Design Department
Projects
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International Study and Training Partnership with the National Taipei University of Technology (Taiwan)
Exchange programme for students and teachers within the framework of the DAAD ISAP programme
Drängende Gegenwart × Luckenwalde – Photographic and Textile Works
The exhibition "Drängende Gegenwart – Fotografie als Forschungsinstrument" and "Drängende Gegenwart – textiles in transit" combines photographic and textile works. Starting with the opening of the exhibition on the 6th of June 2024, it will be on display at the Luckenwalde branch until the 27th of June 2024.
Human-Robot Interaction in Social Robotics
The aim of the project, which is subsidised by the European Regional Development Fund, is to set up an interdisciplinary test and experimental environment for social robots.
Concrete Canoe Construction for the 19th German Concrete Canoe Regatta 2024
In this project, students from the Departments of Civil Engineering and Design are designing and building concrete boats to compete against teams from all over Germany at the concrete canoe regatta in Brandenburg an der Havel in June 2024.
Events
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Design, International Office
Workshop
27/11/2024, 1.00 pm – 4.30 pm Workshop for International Students: Maintaining and Optimising Social Media and Web Presences in the Department of Design
Workshop Part 1
Zielgruppe: Students
Start-up Service, Social and Educational Sciences, CITY | BUILDING | CULTURE, Civil Engineering, Design, Information Sciences
Workshop
29/11/2024, 9.00 am – 2.00 pm Online Workshop – Data Science and Digital Literacy
Zielgruppe: Students
Location:
Online
Start-up Service, Social and Educational Sciences, CITY | BUILDING | CULTURE, Civil Engineering, Design, Information Sciences
Workshop
03/12/2024, 9.30 am – 1.00 pm Online Workshop: Self-Care during your Studies
Zielgruppe: University members, Students
Location:
Online
Design, International Office
Workshop
11/12/2024, 1.00 pm – 4.30 pm Workshop for International Students: Maintaining and Optimising Social Media and Web Presences in the Department of Design
Workshop Part 2
Zielgruppe: Students
Contact
Dean
Professor of Photography
Office Management
Research Associate and Pro-Dean for Studies and Teaching
Office Management/Finance at the Department of Design
FB Development/Study Reform Process & Quality Development
Scientific Coordination for the Master's programme
Departmental Exchange Coordinator
Dean’s Office
Availability Dean’s Office Design
- Tue – Fri, 9.00 am – 12.00 pm
- House D/Room 2.30
- +49 331 580-4401
Dean’s Office
Staff Member Dean's Office
Availability Dean’s Office Design
- Mon – Thu, 8.00 am – 10.00 am & 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm
- House D/Room 2.30
- +49 331 580-4401
Dean’s Office
Employee Personnel
Availability Dean’s Office Design
- Wed – Thu, 9.00 am – 12.00 pm & 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm
- Fri, 9.00 am – 12.00 pm
- House D/Room 2.30
- +49 331 580-4401
Availability Dean’s Office Civil Engineering
- Mon – Tue, 9.00 am – 2.00 pm
- House 1/Room 2.18
- +49 331 580-4302