Studium
MA Interaction Design
The MA Interaction Design programme investigates current and emerging social, political and technological developments through design objects and by employing strategies and approaches from anthropology, psychology, sociology and philosophy. The programme does not focus on specific media but encourages students to explore these issues through critical, speculative and experiential prototypes, installations, artefacts and visualisation. Central to the programme is the notion of interaction as a form of dialogue that allows an audience to engage and interact with the investigated phenomena.
The programme is research driven and is centred around the development of an individual master project in the form of a design object and a written thesis (both guided by personal mentoring). The programme runs for three semesters: The first semester focusses on defining the master project and includes a theory seminar and studio courses and guest lectures. The second semester focusses of developing the master project through a series of experiments, studies and prototypes. It also includes a theory seminar, studio courses, guest lectures and a study trip. The third semester focusses of displaying the master project by transforming the investigation into an artefact, a written thesis and an exhibition. It also includes a theory seminar and guest lectures.
The master programmes at the Zurich University of the Arts are based on a Major/Minor model. Therefore, additionally to the MA Interaction Design (Major) a series of obligatory and elective Minor courses can be selected, for example, research methods, design theory seminars, academic writing and skill based courses.
Additionally to the required courses you have the opportunity of join a variety of technical and skill based courses, workshop introductions and courses from the BA programmes to acquire specific skills.
Further information concerning the MA Interaction Design programme can be found here. More general information about the master studies at the ZHdK can be found here. A study brochure can downloaded here.
Application (October 2020)
The programme starts every summer semester in February. The application deadline for the next start is October 2020. The application requires, amongst others, a portfolio of your work, a letter of motivation and a description of the proposed master project. The programme is open for students with diverse backgrounds and does not necessarily require a bachelor degree in interaction design or design in general.
If you are considering to apply to the programme, we are happy to discuss the application with you and are looking forward to meet you on one of the upcoming open days.
Further information regarding the application process can be found here.
Team
Dr. Björn Franke (Head of Programme)
Max Rheiner (Lecturer)
Stella Speziali (Assistant)
Karin Luginbühl (Administration)
Guests
The programme works with a number of guest that join us for lectures, crits and workshops. These have included:
Thomas Thwaites
Noam Toran
Julijonas Urbonas
TheGreenEyl
Daniel Eatock
Be Another Lab
Ruben Pater
Ralph Wiedemeier
Facilities and Research Centres
Workshops
Physical Computing Lab
Colour Light Center
Immersive Arts Space
Institute for the Performing Arts and Film
Institute for Computer Music and Sound Technology
Immersive Lab
Game Lab
AV Equipment
Interaction Design Wiki
