Programme

Visibility in the design industry is not only achieved through good work, but also through clear positioning and targeted communication. The Personal Branding track supports graduates in sharpening their professional profile, highlighting their strengths and establishing themselves as experts in their field. Those who consciously position themselves and communicate their values, skills and visions convincingly can stand out from the crowd and make relevant contacts.

A convincing portfolio alone is not enough – potential clients, media and cooperation partners are also interested in the person behind the work. A strong personal brand creates trust, conveys expertise and increases your own visibility.

At the same time, not every platform makes sense – not every strategy is suitable for everyone. If you make a conscious decision about where and how to make your work visible, you will save time and energy and reach the desired contacts more quickly.

Applicants are asked to submit a short motivation (max. 250 words):

1. What challenges do you currently see in your self-marketing?
2. What goals would you like to achieve with the training?
3. Do you already have initial ideas or specific questions for the training?

Visibility is no coincidence – it is the result of a clear communication strategy. The Public Relations track helps graduates to identify the most important channels for their own communication and use them in a targeted manner. Instead of being present on all platforms and wasting valuable time, the aim is to efficiently and strategically use the right media for your own career path.

Website, Instagram, LinkedIn, PDF portfolios – everything can be a part of self-marketing, but not everything has to be. If you make conscious decisions about where and how your work is visible, you will reach the right people more quickly and start your career with a well thought-out communication strategy.

Applicants are asked to submit a short motivation (max. 250 words):

1. What challenges do you currently see with regard to your PR strategy?
2. What goals/target groups do you want to reach with your communication?
3. Do you already have initial ideas or specific questions for the training?

Sustainable design alone is not enough – products must not only have a circular design, but also be economically viable, innovative and compliant with guidelines. The Circular Design track offers a practical insight into the interface of circular economy, guidelines, innovation and market requirements. Experts from Indeed Innovation will explain how sustainable design can be successfully integrated into the economy.

A good concept does not automatically mean market success. Circular design is a balancing act between sustainability, feasibility and economic attractiveness. New EU eco-design guidelines present designers and companies with major challenges – and opportunities at the same time. Those who understand early on how circular approaches can be combined with current industry requirements can steer innovation in a targeted manner and market it successfully.

Applicants are asked to submit a short motivation (max. 250 words):

1. What would you specifically like to improve in your design in the direction of circular design, what knowledge do you lack?
2. Who/what do you want to reach with your product? Who could help with further development?
3. Do you already have initial ideas or specific questions for the training?

The Design Research track offers graduates a practical insight into applied design research from a corporate perspective as well as current doctoral projects. In addition to an overview of doctoral and career opportunities in design, the workshop opens up important networks – for example to “Design promoviert” (DGTF) and corporate partners who work with design researchers.

Design research is still in its infancy in Germany – even though it holds enormous innovation potential for companies. Young designers are often faced with the question: Is a doctorate worthwhile for me? How do I find a research topic and the right path into practice or academia? This workshop helps to find answers, plan strategic steps and make initial contacts.

Applicants are asked to submit a short motivation (max. 250 words):

1. Would you like to do a doctorate? If yes, on which topic; what challenges do you currently see for this?
2. Have you already completed your doctorate? If yes, what role does design research play in your career planning?
3. Do you already have initial ideas or specific questions for the training?

YOUR PRODUCT & YOU @MAGAZINE
From the sketch to series production

You have the product ideas – we have the stage and the right target group. MAGAZIN is looking for designs, furnishing and furniture concepts that meaningfully complement and expand the MAGAZIN product range and think into the future: Where is there a gap in the MAGAZIN product range?How is our everyday life changing, how do we want to live in the future and what new needs need to be addressed? Which manufacturing processes and materials are sustainable and how can we contribute to conscious consumption? In short: Which of your product ideas are suitable for MAGAZIN?

We offer selected designs and their designers the stage of a professionally designed exhibition – here you can showcase your ideas, use our network and make contacts – as well as a day in MAGAZIN product development with workshops on the path of a MAGAZIN product – from the initial idea to the store. With experts from the fields of product design, marketing, sales and public relations. And: If a design fits perfectly into our range, we will develop it further together with you, ideally until it is ready for series production, add it to our range and offer you a license agreement.

What do we need from you?

Your product concept or design as a presentation in PDF format (maximum 10 pages and 6 MB) and, if selected for the exhibition, a 1:1 prototype of your design. You submit the PDF with your entry to GDG.