Integrated Design Research (Master of Arts)

This MA programme in Integrated Design Research focuses on research and development through and by design. The ultimate objective is the conception and establishment of a research practice specific to design, which continuously alternates between the following of rules and their transcendence, in addition to analysis and synthesis. It facilitates gaining, documenting and refining knowledge through the design of artefacts, systems and processes. The practical design process by itself is not enough to be considered research in this sense. Rather, the design has to be critically compared to other approaches, its relation to existing theories mapped and its position in discourse determined. Design is scientific research only if it promotes a fertile dialogue between theory and creative practice, generates new knowledge and communicates it comprehensibly. The Master’s thesis, being the key component of the course of study, focuses on a "research through design" approach of this kind within one of four thematic clusters: Material Systems & Lab Culture, Social & Public Innovation, Urban Intensities & Resources or Visual Cultures & Politics. The course of study in Integrated Design places special attention on the exploration and framing of problems and corresponding requirements for action. Ethical, functional and aesthetic aspects are considered in the development of concepts, processes and products. To establish experimental ways of creating that have not existed, concrete methods of design and research are identified, examined and developed in lab-like situations. The course of study is characterised by an integrated, intercultural and interdisciplinary environment as well as research- and practice-oriented design processes. Self-determined acquisition of knowledge takes the place of instruction as students concern themselves with questions of the social, cultural and aesthetic potency of design as well as its theorisation. Drafts and designs are discussed peer-to-peer as practices of knowledge production and projecting the world in terms of their contextual, historical and social embeddedness, also taking into account possible interdependencies of these practices and their transcultural entanglements. Thereby productive as well as deconstructive perspectives on historical and current practices of design emerge. Research through design is conducted not just for but also with society. Transdisciplinary projects provide students with the opportunity of developing and realising research and designs jointly with non-academic research institutions or non-academic partners in the cultural, civic, urban or economic realm. Furthermore, there is the possibility of integrating inter- or transcultural approaches by choosing to do a double degree with one of two current international partner schools, extending studies by one semester.