INSTITUTE OF
DESIGN
The Institute of Design maintains a broad approach to design that emphasises the relevance and im-
portance of design within contemporary society. We aim to educate creative, relevant, communicative
design professionals with a solid knowledge of their specific professional field while emphasising a broadly
integrated, cross-disciplinary approach to design processes using design thinking and design making.
The Institute of Design reflects the rapidly emerging fields of design that respond to societal challenges,
new technologies and increased complexity. It promotes design that actively shapes our society, industry,
organisations and daily life. Moving beyond its traditional role, design is established as a tool with which
to address a wide range of issues from strategy to social change. While historically the Institute focused
on Industrial Design, today its scope also includes Interaction Design and Service Design. Systems Oriented
Design is also explored as a highly suitable method for creating overviews, gaining insight and a common
understanding of complex and unstructured problems.
Students are encouraged to develop the ability to communicate through form and materials and to
develop their own individual and in-depth focus within or across fields. A strong emphasis is placed on the
user in all design processes. Issues such as ecological sustainability, design for social innovation, universal
design as well as how design contributes to innovation and value creation are stressed. An awareness of
different approaches to design – commercial, responsible, experimental and discursive – facilitates the
individual development for the student as a designer.
An ethical view toward professional practice is encouraged within the Institute. Good design as aes-
thetic and functional products, services and experiences that delight and improve the lives of users is
advocated.
