At the HPI D-School we looked at the Covid-19 pandemic as a design challenge that encouraged us to develop completely new digital formats for our programs and move them to the virtual space. Thanks to our open-minded students, coaches and project partner organizations, numerous feedback loops and iterations, we were able to redesign our programs and create an innovative and safe learning environment in the virtual space.
The Basic Track program is the first part of the one-year academic Design Thinking training offered at the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI). Through various projects, participants learn the innovation method and mindset in one semester. Together with their project partners, Basic Track students conduct user research, develop creative ideas and build human-centered prototypes. Even in the virtual space, our program team creates an open culture of experimentation that fosters creative self-confidence.
The Basic Track in the summer semester 2021
The Basic Track takes place on two mandatory program days (Tuesdays and Fridays) and consists of live inputs by our program and coaching team as well as teamwork in the digital space. We complement these mandatory program times with time for self-directed teamwork, which the teams can plan flexibly together with their coaches.
To create a creative, inspiring, and safe learning environment for our students, we use a combination of different digital tools.
For video communication we use the Zoom software. We have licenses that allow us to hold large rounds of plenary sessions and work together in smaller teams in so-called "breakout rooms".
As a replacement for the physical information room we work with the platform Miro. This enables very simple and intuitive collaboration with post-its, photos, text and graphics in real time, just like on a whiteboard.
As a learning platform we use HPI's own openHPI platform, which has been in use for years and is currently also used by the WHO for corona training as a learning environment.
Apply online now
Interested students and graduates can apply for the Basic Track program via our online platform until 15 February 2021. We encourage students from all disciplines and universities to apply. You can participate in the Basic Track program from wherever you are located. It is not necessary to be on site in Potsdam during the summer semester 2021.
If the situation regarding the Corona pandemic allows it, the workshop spaces of the HPI D-School can also be used for teamwork according to a hybrid learning concept and in compliance with the applicable hygiene measures. Our equipment enables teamwork and collaboration between team members who are on site and team members who participate virtually.
Please submit the following documents with your application:
- Curriculum vitae
- Certificate of matriculation
- T-Profile
We are looking for team players and "T-Shaped People" who want to make a difference
So-called "T-shaped people" are, on the one hand, experts in a specific academic field (represented by the vertical part of the letter "T"). In addition to their academic education, they also possess numerous complementary skills and interests and a broad general knowledge (represented by the horizontal part of the "T").
At the HPI School of Design Thinking, many "T-shaped people" come together: Here you can collaborate across disciplinary boundaries and use your skills creatively with others to develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
How and in what form you want to design your "T-Profile", whether as text, image, diagram or photo, is entirely up to you.
You can find more information and important dates for the Basic Track application on our website.
We look forward to your applications. Should you have any questions, please take a look at our FAQ or send us an email to office-d-school(at)hpi.de.