International Design Entrepreneurship Semester (IDES)

The International Design Entrepreneurship Semester gives visiting master’s students the opportunity to join an international group of design students and work on a focused, interdisciplinary design project.

Visiting students are required to bring their own design project idea, which they will further develop throughout the semester. The program focuses on prototyping, testing and evaluation, production readiness, and business strategy. Students work closely with supervisors and fellow design students through a combination of individual and group work-based project work.

Requirements

• Applicants must be enrolled in a master’s program in design or a related discipline that incorporates design methodologies, such as Computer Science, Information Technology, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Englisch language proficiency at B2 level is required
• Applicants must submit a design portfolio and a project proposal outlining their project idea.

From Design to Product (10 ECTS): In this project-oriented course, students further develop and refine their design concepts through iterative prototyping, user testing and evaluation. The course supports students in translating their initial ideas into tangible and user-oriented solutions.

Prototyping and Production (5 ECTS): In this course, students work with a supervisor to prepare their prototypes for production. The course focuses on the design and organizational skills in the later stages of product development, including the development of a final prototype, preparation for production, packaging, and the requirements of bringing a product to the market. 

Business Administration (5 ECTS): This course introduces students to the fundamental strategic planning and administrative tasks involved in developing a viable business model for design products, services, ideas. Students use their own design project as a real-world case study to develop, evaluate and validate a business model.

Electives (10 ECTS): Elective courses give students the opportunity to broaden their individual design skills and strengthen their personal and professional profiles. Students choose two elective courses. These may include courses that expand their technical abilities or support their personal and professional development in areas such as communication, foreign languages, and future skills.