Engaging with various frameworks, students will inform, guide, and reflect on practical design projects. The module is organized around five core clusters, referred to as Eco-Social Literacies:
Futures Literacy
Envision and imagine alternative futures; anticipate changes; adopt a normative stance; and define clear goals and targets.
Systems Literacy
Develop systems thinking and modelling; engage with wicked problems; situate projects within larger contexts; estimate long-term consequences.
Environmental Literacy
Understand interrelationships between systems; analyze environmental impacts; engage with more-than-human lifeworlds; cultivate place-specific knowledge.
Political Literacy
Understand political dynamics; analyze actor landscapes; recognize power structures; develop political agency and engage in activism.
Transformation Literacy
Build personal and interpersonal competencies; facilitate collaborative processes; engage with theories and strategies of change; explore behavioural psychology and regenerative practices.
Focus modules
Theme based learning
These modules include 20 short, 2-day classes and workshops covering diverse topics such as research, design, futures, services, interactions, and sustainability. Full-time students select 6 modules per semester; part-time students choose 3 modules.
Project module
Project based learning
This module supports the development of projects related to your individual or collaborative thesis. It includes the initial introductory project week and weekly coaching sessions to help you prepare for your MA thesis. Individual mentoring is key to student-tailored learning experiences.
Workshop mentoring
Prototyping modules provide introductions to workshops and focus on several key areas during the first year, including:
- material and process sampling
- process and solution-oriented prototyping
- 3D sketching and mock-ups
- digital experimentation, physical computing, and prototyping
- explore narratives via visual media
Advanced Prototyping Module 3 encourages you to explore and experiment, refine your ideas, and evaluate your thesis concepts.
Design Perspectives
Ideas, insights, methods
In discussing the state of design, we probe the scope of what is understood as designable. We examine frameworks, methodologies, case studies, and insights gained from professionals and educators.
Research Perspectives
Ideas, insights, methods
Students explore advanced research methodologies in the design field and enhance their academic writing skills. Faculty members, researchers, and experts will lead sessions that include lectures, workshops, group projects, peer feedback, and writing clinics.
Connect Projects
Project based learning
Connect Projects are two-week agile design sprints typically scheduled in the middle of the semester. During these sprints, students work in groups to respond to a briefing from external partners in business, research, society, or politics. One week ideation, one week prototyping.
Innovator Module
Project based learning
The Innovators Module connects students with local industry partners, start-ups, researchers, or service providers through guest lectures, work observations, and site visits. Students explore and evaluate their thesis hypotheses and concepts alongside external practice partners.
Independent Studies
Project based learning
Deep dive into a specific aspect of your thesis with a faculty member. Propose a research focus, identify a mentor, and develop targeted design research insights with research partners across HSLU.
+network, +research
Ecologies of interventions
These modules offer interdisciplinary collaboration between art, film, and design as well as networking with practice partners. Study trips, lectures, workshops, and excursions to exhibitions deepen theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills. Projects, discussions, and guest lectures promote the exchange of ideas and experiences.
ISA Modules
Interdisciplinary courses
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, in collaboration with the University of Lucerne and Lucerne University of Teacher Education, offers inter- and transdisciplinary ISA modules open to students from all areas of study. By participating in these interdisciplinary courses, you will acquire valuable skills and knowledge, enabling you to collaborate effectively with other disciplines in your future practice.
Research Thesis
Facts, findings, insights
Self-selected research topic situated within the context of relevant contemporary issues and questions. It should include a comprehensive examination of the research thesis and a detailed design project overview. The final chapter contains reflections on the work's overall process, outlook, and impact.
Thesis Colloquium
Reflective practices, mutual support
Seminars foster reflection and discussion within a cohesive student cohort. You will explore and refine your work methodologies and thesis topic through peer feedback, supplementary readings, and relevant exercises.
Design Thesis
Insights to innovation
Building on the findings, insights, and outcomes of your research thesis, you will address relevant contemporary issues through design. You will plan and deliver the thesis either independently or as a collaborative project with two or more students. Finally, you will present and exhibit your prototypes or design interventions.
