Content and Structure

Content and structure

Students will acquire methodological, conceptual, technical and design skills. They will develop their own research-oriented projects using creative techniques from design, art, music and performance. Moreover, they will use ecological, biological, psychological, sociological and anthropological knowledge of mankind, societies and environmental systems. 

With core subjects such as Embodied Interaction and Immersive Experience, this subject area has close links with research and will enable you to expand your own research interests in interdisciplinary settings. Numerous cooperations with international designers and researchers will guarantee a practical connection to trendsetting design contexts. 

Course structure.

Development of the thesis  

The first module area provides the foundation for your own thesis: it provides an environment in which to develop experiments and prototypes, select design and research methods, and learn academic writing. The specific compulsory modules include: Interaction Research (1 to 3), Thesis Development (1 to 3) and Mentoring (1 to 3). 

Practical work  

The second module area provides the creative foundation. Students work in a project-based manner on current topics with creative strategies, in the process learning new technical skills such as programming, physical computing or biodesign. This takes place in the compulsory research-focused studio modules (1 to 5). 

Theory  

The third module area focuses on theory. It enables students to reflect on and explore current topics, design strategies and approaches from a theoretical perspective. The area includes specific compulsory modules such a theory (1 to 3). 

Interdisciplinary theory and practice  

The fourth module area teaches advanced design practices in a range of interdisciplinary Major courses and provides in-depth insights into other design sectors or knowledge fields. 

Final project 

The final module area consists of a Master’s thesis, along with the compulsory modules «Thesis Theory» and “Thesis Practice”. 

Skills acquired in the course.

When you graduate, you will be able to: 

  • Apply your in-depth knowledge of how to analyze, deal with and communicate complex design issues and research findings;

  • Deal with relevant interaction design questions and problems in a research-oriented manner and be able to generate new insights;

  • Apply your extensive aesthetic and methodological repertoire to produce application-oriented or experimental results in a goal-oriented manner;

  • Successfully undertake complex design projects involving the relevant positions and stakeholders;

  • Develop an individual design attitude based on a strong sense of responsibility, reflective-critical and interdisciplinary thinking, as well as a strategic approach to action;

  • Connect programme outcomes to professional practice or higher education in positions of responsibility.

Admissions requirements.

The Master’s Major in Interaction Design is suitable for students who are interested in developments in ecology, technology, society and culture. They enjoy complex tasks and challenges, have conceptual and analytical skills as well as outstanding visual thinking and spatial awareness skills. Practical skills and technical understanding are an advantage. 

Prospective applicants must have a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent university degree in a design or design-related discipline. 

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

You will study with a team of lecturers with long-standing experience in practice and research. Prominent international guests such as Foreign Legion, Julijonas Urbonas and Time’s Up will regularly contribute to the classes. Your project development will be supported by well-equipped laboratories (such as the Physical Computing Lab, Light, and the Immersive Arts Space) and workshops (wood, metal, ceramics, etc.).  

Broad research focuses with a transdisciplinary character and discussion with PhD researchers in the subject area as well as those in other disciplines ensure that the course content is up to date. 

Other contacts in research and collaboration include, among others, ETHZ (architecture, AI, robotics, system biology, health sciences), WSL, (ecology, microbiology), EMPA (material sciences) Bartlett School of Architecture (performance and interaction) or the New School in New York (digital democracy). 

Studying at ZHdK offers you a wealth of benefits.

  • Great opportunities to actively shape your future: ZHdK offers state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary and yet highly specialized training.  

  • Our campus (Toni-Areal) is an educational and cultural hub that unites all creative disciplines under one roof and is unique across Europe. 

  • ZHdK is home to vanguard projects and events. 

  • You will benefit from a wide range of professional networks and collaborations with the creative industries, as well as with other national and international educational institutions.