Design & Product Management

Course titleSWSECTSTYPE

3D Construction & Visualisation 1

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM13DKIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 2
ECTS Credits 3
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Introducing 3D modelling (volume modelling); orientation in the virtual arena; creating simple to semi-complex construction parts; creating simple assemblies using links; basics of drawing and dimensioning; importing templates and drawings; assigning materials to bodies and surfaces; basic rendering techniques (camera, stage, light, shadow).

Superior module:

Design Tools 1

Module description:

The students expand their design competency with “design tools”. As part of this module, they create both design concepts in the field of visual communication and deepen their abilities in 3D visualisation. They are able to distil complex content/issues/product ideas down to their core and present them visually. Moreover, they learn about computer-aided design (CAD) in various programmes with their respective features and advantages. The students can independently handle and complete the individual phases of a project.

Accompanying Project Management 1 (Basic Skills & Teambuilding)

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM1PRMRC
Type RC
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Accompanying management training of the team leaders with a focus on constructing a team with meaningful and effective interventions in the various phases; creating suitable framework conditions for effective teamwork acquiring the most important leadership tools. Differentiating between functions and roles within the team. Group dynamic processes.

Superior module:

Interdisciplinary Group Project

Module description:

Students gain knowledge of the various disciplines (1. Product design, art direction, graphics, advertising, 2. Product management, marketing, strategy, 3. Operations: costs, scheduling, quality, 4. Technology/production) involved in the product development process and are capable of identifying with colleagues. This socio-communicative competence is reinforced by personal experience, monitoring and reflection. Participants are also capable of drawing up conceptual and methodological drafts with complex functional connections as well as integrating technical, cultural and aesthetic aspects into such work.

Anthropology & Design

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM1ANDVO
Type VO
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction English
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character final

Lecture content:

Natural/sexual selection, evolution theory, adaption, human-centred design, evolution psychology, Darwinian marketing, Palaeolithics/Neolithics

Superior module:

Ethnography

Module description:

The students understand the steps involved in scientific work, recognise their relevance and are able to compile smaller scientific works. They are familiar with the key terms and approaches in the field of cultural and biological anthropology. They understand the basic concepts of evolution theory and the various selection processes. The students understand the necessity to also reflect on ethical, social and environmental issues when making business decisions. The methodology should be applied as part of empirical work, such as the master’s thesis.

Circular Design

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM1CDEIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 3
Examination character immanent

Learning Outcomes:

The students are knowledgeable about Circular Economy and Circular Design principles and are able to apply these to a small project or to an interdisciplinary project.

Superior module:

Ethnography

Module description:

The students understand the steps involved in scientific work, recognise their relevance and are able to compile smaller scientific works. They are familiar with the key terms and approaches in the field of cultural and biological anthropology. They understand the basic concepts of evolution theory and the various selection processes. The students understand the necessity to also reflect on ethical, social and environmental issues when making business decisions. The methodology should be applied as part of empirical work, such as the master’s thesis.

Design Dialogues 1

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM1DEDEX
Type UB
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

In this course, companies are visited in the form of field trips or presented to students by guest speakers. The companies will be selected to correspond with the current design projects of the study programme. The objective of the course is to gain an insight into companies from various fields of industry and to meet decision-makers from the executive boards, development, production, marketing and sales departments in order to hold discussions and enquire about their success factors.

Superior module:

Design Connections 1

Module description:

The students have advanced abilities in the application of basic theoretical knowledge in new application situations as well as basic assessment, argumentation, reflection and analysis competencies with regards to interdependencies in business. The students are familiar with material characterisation and material selection based on the concept by Michael Ashby, University of Cambridge. They are able to deal with the tasks addressed both in terms of material, product and process-relevant factors on the one hand, and ethical and sustainable product development-related factors on the other.

Ethics and Sustainability Symposium

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM1SYEVO
Type VO
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character final

Lecture content:

Ethics, sustainability, social innovation, post-growth economics, philosophy, development cooperation.

Superior module:

Ethnography

Module description:

The students understand the steps involved in scientific work, recognise their relevance and are able to compile smaller scientific works. They are familiar with the key terms and approaches in the field of cultural and biological anthropology. They understand the basic concepts of evolution theory and the various selection processes. The students understand the necessity to also reflect on ethical, social and environmental issues when making business decisions. The methodology should be applied as part of empirical work, such as the master’s thesis.

Founding and Financing Companies

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM1UGFIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 2
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

From the initial idea to implementation planning: recognising trends; familiarisation with various business models; getting to know design fields within a company as well as the market participants; developing one’s own business model; developing a marketing and finance plan (capital requirements, P&L, liquidity, break even etc.); getting to know various financing and support options as well as developing a project and time plan.

Superior module:

Product Management

Module description:

In the course Founding and Financing Companies, the students gain expertise in the field of entrepreneurial thinking and action. By developing a sample business model including business planning, the students can practice taking on the role of a manager or company founder. The students also learn theories and concepts of product and service innovation, with the latest trends and business models also being addressed. This forms the basis for producing the business concept for all the projects and final projects required in the degree. The prerequisite for both courses is basic marketing knowledge.

Interdisciplinary Group Project

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM1IDPPT
Type PT
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction English
SWS 3
ECTS Credits 7
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Carrying out several short projects in various roles within the groups 1. Product design, art direction: graphics, advertising; 2. Product management: marketing, strategy; 3. Operations: costs, scheduling, quality; 4. Technology/production.

Superior module:

Interdisciplinary Group Project

Module description:

Students gain knowledge of the various disciplines (1. Product design, art direction, graphics, advertising, 2. Product management, marketing, strategy, 3. Operations: costs, scheduling, quality, 4. Technology/production) involved in the product development process and are capable of identifying with colleagues. This socio-communicative competence is reinforced by personal experience, monitoring and reflection. Participants are also capable of drawing up conceptual and methodological drafts with complex functional connections as well as integrating technical, cultural and aesthetic aspects into such work.

Market Research 1 (Quantitative)

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM1MAFUE
Type UB
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

The aim of the course is to communicate processes which can be used to test designs. Using concrete examples, the structure of (offline and online) data acquisition, data collection and data handling is covered. Subsequently, various quantitative processes of data analysis, such as mean comparisons, correlations, cluster and regression analysis are covered. The presentation of collected results concludes the course. The knowledge acquired is to be applied in the study projects.

Superior module:

Design Connections 1

Module description:

The students have advanced abilities in the application of basic theoretical knowledge in new application situations as well as basic assessment, argumentation, reflection and analysis competencies with regards to interdependencies in business. The students are familiar with material characterisation and material selection based on the concept by Michael Ashby, University of Cambridge. They are able to deal with the tasks addressed both in terms of material, product and process-relevant factors on the one hand, and ethical and sustainable product development-related factors on the other.

Product and Service Innovation

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM1PM1IL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 2
ECTS Credits 3
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

The course is divided into four areas: (1) Understanding innovation, (2) Planning innovation, (3) Developing innovation and (4) Implementing innovation. Elements include familiarisation with innovation strategies, the organisation of innovation projects, scheduling processes and marketing innovations. In addition to reflecting on products, service innovations are also a fundamental part of the course. In addition to tried and tested models, such as the stage gate process, newer approaches, such as open innovation and crowdsourcing, are also covered.

Superior module:

Product Management

Module description:

In the course Founding and Financing Companies, the students gain expertise in the field of entrepreneurial thinking and action. By developing a sample business model including business planning, the students can practice taking on the role of a manager or company founder. The students also learn theories and concepts of product and service innovation, with the latest trends and business models also being addressed. This forms the basis for producing the business concept for all the projects and final projects required in the degree. The prerequisite for both courses is basic marketing knowledge.

Technical Product Design 1 (Material)

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM1TPDIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 3
ECTS Credits 3
Examination character final

Lecture content:

The students learn about concepts concerning material and process selection in product development, risk assessment and the consequences of material and process selection for businesses, the background for considering bionics in material development and its impacts on product development. Connections between shape, material, process and function. The connection between the perspectives of suppliers, the company and the customer from a design and business point of view.

Superior module:

Design Connections 1

Module description:

The students have advanced abilities in the application of basic theoretical knowledge in new application situations as well as basic assessment, argumentation, reflection and analysis competencies with regards to interdependencies in business. The students are familiar with material characterisation and material selection based on the concept by Michael Ashby, University of Cambridge. They are able to deal with the tasks addressed both in terms of material, product and process-relevant factors on the one hand, and ethical and sustainable product development-related factors on the other.

Typo & Layout 1

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM1LAYIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 2
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

This course focuses on strategically developing visual communication and implementing it in a target group-appropriate way; with typography, images, science of colours (RGB and CMYK mode), working with page formats (print media vs. digital); taking design and harmony rules into account, page formats, typical page components, type area, circulation, pagination, wastage and page assembly, production technology-related aspects; transfer and optimisation in pre-press.

Superior module:

Design Tools 1

Module description:

The students expand their design competency with “design tools”. As part of this module, they create both design concepts in the field of visual communication and deepen their abilities in 3D visualisation. They are able to distil complex content/issues/product ideas down to their core and present them visually. Moreover, they learn about computer-aided design (CAD) in various programmes with their respective features and advantages. The students can independently handle and complete the individual phases of a project.

Elective Module 1. Term

Elective Module 1

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM1WPF1
Type IL
Kind Elective
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

.

Superior module:

Elective Module 1. Term

Module description:

.

Elective Module 2

Semester 1
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM1WPF2
Type IL
Kind Elective
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

.

Superior module:

Elective Module 1. Term

Module description:

.

Course titleSWSECTSTYPE

3D Construction & Visualisation 2

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM23DKIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 2
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Advanced 3D modelling (volume modelling and surface modelling); creating complex structures and assemblies; basics of surface modelling; advanced rendering techniques and implementation in photographs (image retouching); exchanging files between different software

Superior module:

Design Tools 2

Module description:

The knowledge acquired in the “Design Tools 1” module is built upon and expanded. The students understand more complex interdependencies and learn how to use various techniques, work approaches and programmes as required and combine these with each other. They also develop the ability to present existing projects from several disciplines in a visually correct and understandable way.

Accompanying Project Management 2

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2BPMRC
Type RC
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

The students build on the knowledge learned in the course “Accompanying Project Management 1”. In turn, they receive direct support for problems ranging from project organisation to team development.

Superior module:

Experimental Project

Module description:

As a process-related strategic step complementing the tried and tested product development structures, the experiment is being increasingly broadly applied. It is therefore important for the students to experience this addition to the development spectrum for themselves and to go through it first in group work then increasingly on an individual basis as the project progresses. As part of a multi-step familiarisation process, product concepts are developed for an overarching topic and taking into account wide-ranging cultural, aesthetic and technical information clusters. As part of this, the students critically reflect on their own actions and have the opportunity to question established thought processes.

Basic Principles of Interaction Design

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2GIDVO
Type VO
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction English
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character final

Lecture content:

Defining interactive systems, interaction paradigms, input and output options (including gestures, language...), acoustic/optical/haptic feedback, aspects of perception in interaction, information processing/memory.

Superior module:

Design Research 1

Module description:

The students know important terms and approaches in interaction design which are relevant for designing products. In addition, they are aware of the commonalities, interdependencies and differences between concept usability and user experience. They are able to describe different methods and approaches from these areas, judge their relevance for the respective task and use them as part of empirical work, such as the master’s thesis. For their own master’s thesis projects, they have developed a topic and hypotheses which are presented and discussed in the plenum.

Basic Principles of Usability & User Experience

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2GUUVO
Type VO
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 2
Examination character final

Lecture content:

Differentiating between usability and user experience, human-driven design process (EN ISO 9241-210), usage context (task, environment, user), methods of recording user characteristics (technical affinity, handedness, personality factors etc.).

Superior module:

Design Research 1

Module description:

The students know important terms and approaches in interaction design which are relevant for designing products. In addition, they are aware of the commonalities, interdependencies and differences between concept usability and user experience. They are able to describe different methods and approaches from these areas, judge their relevance for the respective task and use them as part of empirical work, such as the master’s thesis. For their own master’s thesis projects, they have developed a topic and hypotheses which are presented and discussed in the plenum.

Design Culture Field Trip

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2EDCEX
Type UB
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 2
ECTS Credits 2
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Field trip with the objective of familiarisation and reflection on the everyday work and corporate culture of a region. The preparation toward the objective of the excursion is effected by an introductory presentation and a series of short abstracts at the stations (event, company, place of cultural significance). The reflection of the students takes place during a poster presentation after returning, whereby an in-depth analysis of the socio-cultural aspects and an overview analysis of the other design/economical/technical aspects of a travel situation is required.

Superior module:

Design Tools 2

Module description:

The knowledge acquired in the “Design Tools 1” module is built upon and expanded. The students understand more complex interdependencies and learn how to use various techniques, work approaches and programmes as required and combine these with each other. They also develop the ability to present existing projects from several disciplines in a visually correct and understandable way.

Design Dialogues 2

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2DDLEX
Type UB
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

In this course, companies are visited in the form of field trips or presented to students by guest speakers. The companies will be selected to correspond with the current design projects of the study programme. The objective of the course is provide an insight into companies from various fields of industry and to meet decision-makers from the executive boards, development, production, marketing and sales departments in order to hold discussions and enquire about their success factors.

Superior module:

Design Connections 2

Module description:

Students gain specialised knowledge concerning questions relating to materials, from their production and their various stages of use to recycling and possible disposal. They are capable of employing innovative approaches from the perspective of the designer with the constructing engineer, the design engineer and the materials scientist in order to develop, evaluate and represent. Students can also describe, test and assess aspects of quality relating to the various steps in the production and application processes.

Design Management

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2DMMIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction English
SWS 2
ECTS Credits 2
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Design theory, design strategy, design planning, design thinking, design leadership, design-oriented corporate culture and interdisciplinary cooperation.

Superior module:

Design Management

Module description:

Students have knowledge of (1) the meaning of quality, (2) factors influencing quality, (3) the assessment of quality, (4) quality control, (5) quality management as well as (6) quality tools and their practical application. The students have knowledge of design as a decisive differentiating factor in the business context. They are familiar with topics such as design theory, design strategy, design planning, design thinking, design leadership, design-oriented corporate culture and interdisciplinary cooperation. Moreover, the course trains fundamental skills such as analytical thinking and communicative exchanges which form the basis for design management. The students are able to work in distribution and sales as well as customer relationship management. Basics such as types of sales, sales channels and logistics are addressed in order to subsequently work on topics which build on this from the fields of after-sales and customer relationship management. The students are able to apply their acquired knowledge in study projects.

Experiment and Attempt

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2EXVIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction English
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Module examination with continued assessment (five-part grading scale).

Superior module:

Experimental Project

Module description:

As a process-related strategic step complementing the tried and tested product development structures, the experiment is being increasingly broadly applied. It is therefore important for the students to experience this addition to the development spectrum for themselves and to go through it first in group work then increasingly on an individual basis as the project progresses. As part of a multi-step familiarisation process, product concepts are developed for an overarching topic and taking into account wide-ranging cultural, aesthetic and technical information clusters. As part of this, the students critically reflect on their own actions and have the opportunity to question established thought processes.

Experimental Project

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2EXPPT
Type PT
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction English
SWS 2
ECTS Credits 6
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

This course forms the core of the module and has three interconnected focuses. 1. Design and Background As an entry into the project, various information modules provide wide-ranging input to the background of the project topic, sociology of the design, alternative research methods and research evaluation. The students work partly individually and partly in groups of various sizes and compositions, and in doing so receive as broad an overview as possible of the concept options inherent to the general topic. 2. Design and Concept Subsequently, the students can individually select one of the concepts to develop further and in-depth with a focus on further-reaching targets such as sustainability aspects in product development and marketing. Particular attention is hereby paid to coherent argumentation and reasoning for selected concept elements, because only a development idea which is clearly understandable for the entire design team guarantees an efficient and easily communicable basis for the following design steps. Optionally, the development concept is embedded into a service concept as part of a further step. 3. Design and Creation In the final phase of work, the concrete concept is now transformed into a design draft, with attention still being paid to coherent argumentation chains and particularly to high levels of detail. The final design draft is presented in the form of a virtual and physical model.

Superior module:

Experimental Project

Module description:

As a process-related strategic step complementing the tried and tested product development structures, the experiment is being increasingly broadly applied. It is therefore important for the students to experience this addition to the development spectrum for themselves and to go through it first in group work then increasingly on an individual basis as the project progresses. As part of a multi-step familiarisation process, product concepts are developed for an overarching topic and taking into account wide-ranging cultural, aesthetic and technical information clusters. As part of this, the students critically reflect on their own actions and have the opportunity to question established thought processes.

Market Research 2 (Qualitative)

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2MAFUE
Type UB
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

The course centres on the development of a design strategy, supported by methods of qualitative market research. In addition to observations (empathetic design), the process for conducting individual and focus group interviews is covered. Various methods of data evaluation, such as content analysis, are also presented. The acquired knowledge is applied and implemented in concrete practice-related projects.

Superior module:

Design Connections 2

Module description:

Students gain specialised knowledge concerning questions relating to materials, from their production and their various stages of use to recycling and possible disposal. They are capable of employing innovative approaches from the perspective of the designer with the constructing engineer, the design engineer and the materials scientist in order to develop, evaluate and represent. Students can also describe, test and assess aspects of quality relating to the various steps in the production and application processes.

Master Thesis Seminar 1

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2MTSIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 2
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Methods and approaches to finding ideas and developing hypotheses for academic work, presentation and discussion of results.

Superior module:

Design Research 1

Module description:

The students know important terms and approaches in interaction design which are relevant for designing products. In addition, they are aware of the commonalities, interdependencies and differences between concept usability and user experience. They are able to describe different methods and approaches from these areas, judge their relevance for the respective task and use them as part of empirical work, such as the master’s thesis. For their own master’s thesis projects, they have developed a topic and hypotheses which are presented and discussed in the plenum.

Product Policy

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2PRPVO
Type VO
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Product policy, current dynamics in marketing (community, viral, sustainability marketing etc.), tools for service marketing (GAP analysis, service blueprinting, SERVQUAL etc.).

Superior module:

Design Management

Module description:

Students have knowledge of (1) the meaning of quality, (2) factors influencing quality, (3) the assessment of quality, (4) quality control, (5) quality management as well as (6) quality tools and their practical application. The students have knowledge of design as a decisive differentiating factor in the business context. They are familiar with topics such as design theory, design strategy, design planning, design thinking, design leadership, design-oriented corporate culture and interdisciplinary cooperation. Moreover, the course trains fundamental skills such as analytical thinking and communicative exchanges which form the basis for design management. The students are able to work in distribution and sales as well as customer relationship management. Basics such as types of sales, sales channels and logistics are addressed in order to subsequently work on topics which build on this from the fields of after-sales and customer relationship management. The students are able to apply their acquired knowledge in study projects.

Sales and Relationship Management

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2VRMIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction English
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 2
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Types of sales, sales channels, logistics, after-sales and customer relationship management.

Superior module:

Design Management

Module description:

Students have knowledge of (1) the meaning of quality, (2) factors influencing quality, (3) the assessment of quality, (4) quality control, (5) quality management as well as (6) quality tools and their practical application. The students have knowledge of design as a decisive differentiating factor in the business context. They are familiar with topics such as design theory, design strategy, design planning, design thinking, design leadership, design-oriented corporate culture and interdisciplinary cooperation. Moreover, the course trains fundamental skills such as analytical thinking and communicative exchanges which form the basis for design management. The students are able to work in distribution and sales as well as customer relationship management. Basics such as types of sales, sales channels and logistics are addressed in order to subsequently work on topics which build on this from the fields of after-sales and customer relationship management. The students are able to apply their acquired knowledge in study projects.

Technical Product Design 2

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2TPDIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 2
ECTS Credits 3
Examination character final

Lecture content:

In closed loops, the residual materials from a process are seen as raw materials for other processes. This is also applicable to product development, as there are two cycles of material in a technical and in a natural system. In such cases, materials can either be recycled or composted. In this course, these considerations are given general consideration and they are represented and explained in detail by means of material and process-relevant tasks for concrete products. To this end, concepts relating to quality and environmental management as well as calculation and simulation tools are covered (e.g.: the Finite Element Method). Students must be able to comprehend various arguments, and to develop and represent their own thoughts and alternative concepts with analytical clarity.

Superior module:

Design Connections 2

Module description:

Students gain specialised knowledge concerning questions relating to materials, from their production and their various stages of use to recycling and possible disposal. They are capable of employing innovative approaches from the perspective of the designer with the constructing engineer, the design engineer and the materials scientist in order to develop, evaluate and represent. Students can also describe, test and assess aspects of quality relating to the various steps in the production and application processes.

Typo & Layout 2

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2LAYIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Making complex content and issues accessible and understandable; developing and creating infographics; handling page formats and folding techniques; in-depth knowledge of the topics page formats, typical page components, type area, circulation, pagination, wastage and page assembly; production technology-related aspects; from printing preparation and various printing techniques to practical implementation (printer).

Superior module:

Design Tools 2

Module description:

The knowledge acquired in the “Design Tools 1” module is built upon and expanded. The students understand more complex interdependencies and learn how to use various techniques, work approaches and programmes as required and combine these with each other. They also develop the ability to present existing projects from several disciplines in a visually correct and understandable way.

Elective Module 2. Term

Elective Module 1

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2WPF2
Type IL
Kind Elective
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

.

Superior module:

Elective Module 2. Term

Module description:

.

Elective Module 1

Semester 2
Academic year 1
Course code DPMM2WPF1
Type IL
Kind Elective
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

.

Superior module:

Elective Module 2. Term

Module description:

.

Course titleSWSECTSTYPE

Advanced Interaction Design

Semester 3
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM3VIDIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction English
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Errors (human errors, error management); designing dialogue; menu navigation; navigation; serious games/gamification; sample application of associated methods (e.g. paper prototyping, performance-related factors).

Superior module:

Design Research 2

Module description:

The students have acquired in-depth knowledge from the field of interaction design. The focuses are on the various opportunities for designing interaction. They are also able to record and assess the behaviour of the user during interaction with products. Thanks to the overview of other methods, which primarily focus on instrumental procedures in this module, the students are able to describe and apply a suitable scientific approach in the master’s thesis. The tasks and hypotheses for the master’s thesis produced in the course Design Research 1 have been finalised and the empirical investigations for the master’s thesis prepared.

Advanced User Experience

Semester 3
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM3VUEIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Emotions and reactions of the users during interaction (e.g. pleasure, anger, stress, excitement, tiredness) as well as their recordability (physiological measurements etc.), sample applications of the associated methods (e.g. UX-specific questionnaires, eye tracking).

Superior module:

Design Research 2

Module description:

The students have acquired in-depth knowledge from the field of interaction design. The focuses are on the various opportunities for designing interaction. They are also able to record and assess the behaviour of the user during interaction with products. Thanks to the overview of other methods, which primarily focus on instrumental procedures in this module, the students are able to describe and apply a suitable scientific approach in the master’s thesis. The tasks and hypotheses for the master’s thesis produced in the course Design Research 1 have been finalised and the empirical investigations for the master’s thesis prepared.

Applied Leadership Competency

Semester 3
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM3AFKRC
Type RC
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 2
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

The students have responsibility for organising the real model building assigned to their design as well as the corresponding documentation. The actual model building work is, similar to in a real work transfer scenario, given to students from the following semesters. All organisational steps, from producing a realistic time plan to material procurement, information presentation, carving out motivational strategies, meeting agreement and reporting remain with the project manager, and their fulfilment is an essential component of the scope of building the model assigned to the interdisciplinary individual project.

Superior module:

Interdisciplinary Individual Project

Module description:

Based on a medium-difficult to highly complex task, the students have the opportunity to master the requirements of product development and implementation as well as their wide-ranging interrelations. All relevant research measures, detailed analyses of CD, aspects of the target groups, shape and function are also part of the project. In addition, as part of the design implementation, tasks from project management are also covered, from independent project planning through to clear information presentation and communication, from employee management to organising work transfers as well as reporting the object of this module.

Copyright and Design Rights

Semester 3
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM3UDRVO
Type VO
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character final

Lecture content:

Contract law, trademark law, patent /usage patterns/registered design protection, rights of use, licensing, copyright protection, product liability, guarantee, warranty etc.

Superior module:

Design Connections 3

Module description:

Students are familiar with the perceptions of the various disciplines involved in the product development process. The students can develop new product concepts taking into account complex functional coherences, as well as integrating technical, cultural and aesthetic aspects. They reflect on their own actions critically and question established thought patterns. The socio-communicative competencies are reinforced by personal experience, support and reflection. Participants are also capable of drawing up conceptual and methodological drafts with complex functional connections as well as integrating technical, cultural and aesthetic aspects into such work.

Design Leadership

Semester 3
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM3DLEUE
Type UB
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction English
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 2
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Theories concerning design leadership; networking design, design management and design thinking; design relating to strategy, policy and mission; the integration of context and the ability to solve complex problems; methods and application: setting future visions, implementing visions in corporate strategies, optimising design investments, maintaining the design and innovation culture, preserving the reputation of the company, training design leaders as well as maintaining corporate culture

Superior module:

Design Leadership

Module description:

The students are taught to manage the legal affairs surrounding the field design and product management. The students understand the content and interdependencies of the various areas of internal accounting and controlling and are therefore prepared for completing the business-related side of the master’s thesis. Various topics relating to pricing policy, such as price formation and price perception, are discussed, as are principles and methods of psychology and consumer behaviour research, in an effort to understand the topic “behaviour-oriented price management”. The insights can be applied by the students independently in their own projects and the final project.

Design Research (Ethnography)

Semester 3
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM3DERIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction English
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Individual or group interviews, participatory observation, creating questionnaires, evaluating and critically interpreting datasets, content analysis.

Superior module:

Ethnography

Module description:

The students understand the steps involved in scientific work, recognise their relevance and are able to compile smaller scientific works. They are familiar with the key terms and approaches in the field of cultural and biological anthropology. They understand the basic concepts of evolution theory and the various selection processes. The students understand the necessity to also reflect on ethical, social and environmental issues when making business decisions. The methodology should be applied as part of empirical work, such as the master’s thesis.

Engineering Design

Semester 3
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM3ENDIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 2
ECTS Credits 3
Examination character final

Lecture content:

In this course, the interdependencies between the shape, material, manufacturing process and functionality of products and their effect on the construction and production in a company is methodically covered. As part of this, the basic engineering principles from the courses Technical Product Design 1 and 2 are applied using specific product examples and processed with the latest electronic engineering design tools such as function simulation programmes and finite element analysis methods.

Superior module:

Design Connections 3

Module description:

Students are familiar with the perceptions of the various disciplines involved in the product development process. The students can develop new product concepts taking into account complex functional coherences, as well as integrating technical, cultural and aesthetic aspects. They reflect on their own actions critically and question established thought patterns. The socio-communicative competencies are reinforced by personal experience, support and reflection. Participants are also capable of drawing up conceptual and methodological drafts with complex functional connections as well as integrating technical, cultural and aesthetic aspects into such work.

Intercultural Communication

Semester 3
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM3ICCUE
Type UB
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Students are familiarised with foreign business and design cultures; practising international negotiation skills; solving cultural codes; discovering global cultural sensitivity; gaining insight into the working methods of other disciplines; reflecting on their own identity and role in society; gender, religion, family, behaviour; reflecting their own and the global material popular culture; designing and representing cultural findings for target groups; operationalising results from the analyses of other cultures.

Superior module:

Design Connections 3

Module description:

Students are familiar with the perceptions of the various disciplines involved in the product development process. The students can develop new product concepts taking into account complex functional coherences, as well as integrating technical, cultural and aesthetic aspects. They reflect on their own actions critically and question established thought patterns. The socio-communicative competencies are reinforced by personal experience, support and reflection. Participants are also capable of drawing up conceptual and methodological drafts with complex functional connections as well as integrating technical, cultural and aesthetic aspects into such work.

Interdisciplinary Individual Project

Semester 3
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM3IEPPT
Type PT
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 3
ECTS Credits 12
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

In this course, a product development topic is split into two connected design tasks, which are completed in sequence. This forms the core of the module and has three interconnected focuses. 1. Background and briefing/specification sheet As preparation, the extensive research to be completed as part of this course forms the basis for all later working steps. It is completed with the production of a conclusive specification sheet, which is used for assessing the following design steps. In addition to the information from the specification sheet, the students also produce a guideline for a company-related CD analysis. 2. Concept and design The completed specification sheet forms the starting point for the first design task. The main focus here is primarily on producing a clearly presentable functional added value compared to already existing competing products. The formal arrangement is subject to the individual design taste and abilities of the designer, but has to be clearly target group oriented. All presentation techniques through to building ergonomic and functional models are integral parts of the scope of the project. 3. Brand connection and co-branding The design solution developed in the previous part of the project is revised to deliver on the CI/CD requirements of an existing company. As part of this, attention should be paid that only formal aspects of the design are affected by this and the functional details of the already developed design/concept solution remain as unchanged as possible.

Superior module:

Interdisciplinary Individual Project

Module description:

Based on a medium-difficult to highly complex task, the students have the opportunity to master the requirements of product development and implementation as well as their wide-ranging interrelations. All relevant research measures, detailed analyses of CD, aspects of the target groups, shape and function are also part of the project. In addition, as part of the design implementation, tasks from project management are also covered, from independent project planning through to clear information presentation and communication, from employee management to organising work transfers as well as reporting the object of this module.

Master Thesis Seminar 2

Semester 3
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM3MTSIL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 3
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Finalising the topics, refining the hypotheses, preparing the empirical investigations, presentation and discussion of the results.

Superior module:

Design Research 2

Module description:

The students have acquired in-depth knowledge from the field of interaction design. The focuses are on the various opportunities for designing interaction. They are also able to record and assess the behaviour of the user during interaction with products. Thanks to the overview of other methods, which primarily focus on instrumental procedures in this module, the students are able to describe and apply a suitable scientific approach in the master’s thesis. The tasks and hypotheses for the master’s thesis produced in the course Design Research 1 have been finalised and the empirical investigations for the master’s thesis prepared.

Price Management & Consumer Behaviour

Semester 3
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM3PM3IL
Type IL
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 2
ECTS Credits 2
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Pricing, price perception, principles and methods of psychology, behaviour-oriented price management.

Superior module:

Design Leadership

Module description:

The students are taught to manage the legal affairs surrounding the field design and product management. The students understand the content and interdependencies of the various areas of internal accounting and controlling and are therefore prepared for completing the business-related side of the master’s thesis. Various topics relating to pricing policy, such as price formation and price perception, are discussed, as are principles and methods of psychology and consumer behaviour research, in an effort to understand the topic “behaviour-oriented price management”. The insights can be applied by the students independently in their own projects and the final project.

Eelctive Module 3. Term

Elective Module 1

Semester 3
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM3WPF1
Type IL
Kind Elective
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

.

Superior module:

Eelctive Module 3. Term

Module description:

.

Elective Module 2

Semester 3
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM3WPF2
Type IL
Kind Elective
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 1
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

.

Superior module:

Eelctive Module 3. Term

Module description:

.

Course titleSWSECTSTYPE

Master Exam

Semester 4
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM4MAPDP
Type DP
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 0
ECTS Credits 0
Examination character final

Lecture content:

.

Superior module:

Master's Thesis

Module description:

The students are consistent with the respective specialist requirements of the task from the design and product management area. They are able to work on and present projects independently as well as proceed and document the project in a scientifically structured way. The approach can be scientifically justified and argued.

Master's Thesis

Semester 4
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM4MTHIT
Type IT
Kind Diploma/master thesis
Language of instruction German
SWS 1
ECTS Credits 25
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

.

Superior module:

Master's Thesis

Module description:

The students are consistent with the respective specialist requirements of the task from the design and product management area. They are able to work on and present projects independently as well as proceed and document the project in a scientifically structured way. The approach can be scientifically justified and argued.

Master's Thesis Seminar 3

Semester 4
Academic year 2
Course code DPMM4MTSSE
Type SE
Kind Compulsory
Language of instruction German
SWS 2
ECTS Credits 5
Examination character immanent

Lecture content:

Advanced scientific work, current developments, IT support for the master's thesis as well as help with formal questions.

Superior module:

Master's Thesis

Module description:

The students are consistent with the respective specialist requirements of the task from the design and product management area. They are able to work on and present projects independently as well as proceed and document the project in a scientifically structured way. The approach can be scientifically justified and argued.

Legend
SemesterSemesters 1, 3, 5: courses held only in winter semester (mid-September to end of January), Semesters 2, 4, 6: courses held only in summer semester (mid-February to end of June)
SWSweekly contact hours over 14 weeks in semester (example SWS 2 equals 28 contact hours for the whole course
ECTS CreditsWork load in ECTS credits, 1 ECTS credit equals an estimated 25 hours of work for the student
TypeBP = Bachelor final exam
DP/MP = Master final exam
IL = Lecture with integrated project work
IT = Individual training/phases
LB = Lab (session)
PS = Pro-seminar
PT = Project
RC = Course with integrated reflective practice
RE = Revision course
SE = Seminar
TU = Tutorial
UB = Practice session/Subject practical sessions
VO = Lecture