The Design Studies programme adopts a broad approach to design that emphasises the relevance and
importance of design within our contemporary society. It is a continuous five-year master’s programme
with a focus on Industrial Design, Interaction Design and Service Design. The programme educates
adaptive, innovative and communicative design professionals while developing a broadly integrated,
cross-disciplinary approach to design processes.
The programme reflects the rapidly emerging fields of design that respond to societal and cultural chal-
lenges, 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 ranging from strategy to social change. While historically
the programme comprised only Industrial Design, today its scope also includes Interaction Design and
Service Design. Systems Oriented Design is also explored as a method for creating overviews, gaining
insight and a common understanding of complex and unstructured problems. Students develop the ability
to communicate through form and materials and to develop their own individual and in-depth special-
ization within or across fields.
A strong emphasis is placed on the user in all design processes. Students pursue challenges within areas
such as health care and welfare technology, maritime industries, new production methods, design for so-
cial innovation, with an emphasis on invention and value creation. An awareness of different approaches
to design – commercial, responsible, experimental and discursive – inspires the development of the stu-
dent as a designer. Through ecological sustainability and universal design, ethical views on professional
practice are encouraged within the education.
Good design creates aesthetic and functional products, services and experiences that delight and im-
prove the lives of users.
DESIGN STUDIES
