Industrial Design

HEAD: Stefan Diez

The study programme teaches students to engage with design, which comprises a variety of analytical and creative processes and stages.

Our approach to design starts with the human being. It is based on analysing human needs in specific contexts. We consider design as actively creating our material environment while being aware of social, political, cultural, ecological and economic interdependencies. In doing so we are particularly considerate of our dynamically changing coexistence and our responsibility for a valuable common future.

This approach aligns our department with the tradition and philosophy of design history at the University of Applied Arts Vienna.

Throughout the course of studies, we put a wide range of theoretical knowledge into vivid interrelation with skills gained regarding materials and manufacturing, as well as presentation and transfer methods. Various labs and workshops encourage experiments and the creation of prototypes.

We consider the transfer of knowledge within small groups, critical discussions and direct reasoning between teaching staff and students to be vital; this aspect both supports and structures our design courses. The multitude of methods and the confrontation with various approaches and ways of thinking enable students to develop and hone their distinctive creative profile. They learn to situate their designs within respective contexts.

Subsequent vocational activities are freelance, in businesses or institutions, in areas of science, teaching and research. The course of studies enables graduates to apply their individual design language and make it comprehensible to others. It also qualifies them to influence the current design discourse by adding their own approach that is based on an awareness of cultural, social, economic, ecological and political responsibility.