Hochschule

hs-hannover.de
produktdesign-studium.de

Gunnar Spellmeyer
Professor for Design, Entrepreneurship, Presentation

Patrick Frey
Visiting Professor for Design, Presentation

Frank Weiß
Visiting professor for Computer aided design

Ralf Baumunk
Professor for Computer aided design

Sönke Hoof
Professor for design basics

Dr. Falk Höhn
Professor for Computer aided design

Michael Nickla
Professor for Design Methodology, Technology Design

Product designers optimize, develop and invent things that are manufactured industrially and in series. As designers, we see ourselves as consumer advocates with a certain responsibility in terms of both ecological and social relationships. Economic aspects come second: our environment and community have priority. Ours is one of Germany’s first study programs for industrial design, established in 1952 and following the traditions of its predecessor, an old Werkkunstschule. The term product design expresses the true focus of design activity: to develop products and services that not only please people, but serve them as well. We concentrate on human-centred design – regardless of whether the idea for a product or service ever becomes reality: manufactured in series, mass-customized or even created with a 3D printer.

What will I learn?

The old limits are disappearing; new technologies and innovative materials are being created; needs are changing in view of the demographic shift; new business models are arising. Our Product Design program has taken up these challenges. Products and Services are being either optimized or reinvented. However, these innovations must ultimately withstand critical, multifaceted testing. In these times, when access to knowledge is ubiquitous, postsecondary education must be more than a repository of digital material. Hanover’s Product Design program practices new teaching methods, conveys information in dialogues and discourse, creates platforms for critical discussion and thus provides students with the foundations to form their characters as true designers. Many international cooperative programs, e.g. in Indonesia, India, China, Australia or the USA, contribute significantly to our students’ personal development.