From summer semester 2024, we will be offering a methodological foundation program in Design Thinking as well as thematically based advanced programs in the areas of "Sustainability" and "Open Innovation". The program begins each semester with the Foundations (formerly Basic Track). This eight-week methodology course teaches the essential elements and principles of Design Thinking. Our program bridges the gap between different disciplines. While students in their regular studies usually only get to know fellow students from their subject area or similar fields, at the HPI d-school they work in multidisciplinary teams. 

The design studios deal with a specific topic in various formats such as d-talks, method labs or sprints. In addition to the methodical approach of Design Thinking, experts from the respective focus areas of science, politics and administration have their say. We also offer projects with external partners such as large companies, public institutions or non-profit organizations.

In addition to the two programs "Foundations" and "Design Studios", we continue to offer the Global Design Thinking Workshops (GDTW). In this program, participants experience design thinking as a life-centered approach and work - together with international design thinking coaches - in different teams on complex innovation problems.

Application to a Design Studio of your choice is open to graduates of the Basic Track/Foundations program at the HPI d-school and the comparable introductory programs at our partner Design Thinking Schools in China, Malaysia, South Africa and Sweden as well as graduates of the HPI Global Team-based Innovation program (GTI). In addition, HPI students can apply directly for the Advanced Track after completing two Global Design Thinking Workshops at the HPI D-School.

The application phase for the winter semester starts in July and for the summer semester in January. The application is made via an online platform, which you can find on the "our programs"-page during the application period.

Because the students who participate in our program come from all over the world, many different languages echo through our hallways. To make sure that everyone knows what’s going on, the entire program is conducted in English. For this reason we don’t require you to be fluent in German to apply to the HPI d-school. You’re also not asked to submit a certificate proving your knowledge of German. However, Design Thinking is a human-centered approach and our students often need to make observations and conduct interviews with consumers and users. Because many of the encounters take place in Potsdam and Berlin, you will often come in contact with non-native English speakers. We therefore advise our foreign participants to attend a German course before or during their study program at the HPI d-school. Further information about courses is available on the pages of the Goethe Institute or the University of Potsdam

The financial contribution for all students of the Foundations is 750 euros and 200 euros for all students of the Global Design Thinking Workshop. Participation in a Design Studio is free of charge. 

For professionals over 35 years of age and with more than one year of professional experience, the cost contribution for participation in the Foundations is 10,000 euros (plus VAT). There are no additional costs for subsequent participation in the Design Studio.

All students, doctoral candidates and employees enrolled at HPI are exempt from this regulation; for them, studying at the HPI d-school is free of charge.

Since our program is based on different perspectives, we are looking for students and graduates from all disciplines - from Architecture, Pedagogy, IT systems Engineering or Business to Futurology.

We are looking for enthusiastic people who enjoy working in teams, who engage and deal emphatically with both people and tasks. Candidates should be open to new ideas and perspectives. They should be passionate about their own academic field, but also curious about other disciplines and ideas.

Each semester, we offer 40 places in the Foundations program on site and 20 places in each Design Studio. In addition, a Global Design Thinking Workshop is held twice a year with 40 participants each time. This means that up to 120 students study at the HPI d-school each semester.

Two attendance days per week are required for the Basic and Advanced Track. Depending on the project, additional time may be required, usually in the research phases and shortly before the project is completed. The Basic Track meets every Tuesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to about 6 p.m., the Advanced Track every Monday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to about 6 p.m. One semester is approximately 13-15 weeks - from October to February and April to July.
 

As a student enrolled at HPI you can participate in our Design Thinking programs during your Bachelor’s or Master’s studies.
In addition you can apply for the Design Thinking programs also in the year after your completion of your Bachelor's or Master's studies.

In the sample curriculum of the Bachelor's program, "HPI-DTH: Design Thinking" is scheduled for the fourth semester. For Master's students, there are different recommendations for when the Professional Skills modules should be taken, depending on the course of study. Participation in the Global Design Thinking Workshop is rewarded with three credit points. The Basic and Advanced Track are each worth six credit points towards your degree.

If you are enrolled as HPI student you can register for the Global Design Thinking Week through the Admissions Office (Studienreferat) as for all other HPI study offers. There is no separate application necessary at the HPI D-School.
The application for the Basic and Advanced Track takes place via the HPI D-School. The application for the Basic Track in the summer semester is possible from Mid-November until 31st January, for the winter semester from Mid-May until 31st August. The application for the Advanced Track is only possible after the completion of the Basic Track.

As a student participant in our programs (Global Design Thinking Workshop, Foundations and Design Studios, Wayfinder) you will not only receive a unique experience, but also a certificate of achievement (ECTS).

As an enrolled HPI student, you can earn graded credits for all programs. For the Global Design Thinking Workshop and the Wayfinder program you will receive 3 ECTS credits each, for Foundations and Design Studios you will receive 6 ECTS credits each if you participate for one semester.

Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that credit points (and grades) will be accepted by students at their home universities, as this depends on the respective university's study and examination regulations. However, many of our students have been able to have their d-school time recognized (as ECTS credits or as practical experience) at their respective universities.

Successful completion of the program is confirmed with a certificate of participation.

Unfortunately, we cannot organize an accommodation for you in Berlin or Potsdam. However, since both cities are strongly frequented by students, you should have no problem finding temporary accommodation. You can find a wide range of offers at housinganywhere.com and wg-gesucht.de.

As each country has its own laws, this question cannot be answered in general terms. If you are coming from outside Europe, you should apply for a visa early, as the process usually takes longer. If you need help, you are welcome to contact us. More information about general visa regulations can be found on the homepage of the German Academic Exchange Service. The international broadcaster Deutsche Welle offers a general overview for a study stay in Germany. You can also contact the Academic Welcome Center of the University of Potsdam with specific questions.

Unfortunately, the participation in our academic Design Thinking programs is not recognized by the state of Brandenburg as educational leave.

We would like to enable all participants with handicaps or chronic diseases to participate on an equal and independent basis. All buildings and rooms are accessible without barriers, there are accessible sanitary rooms available. The connection to the public transport system is also largely barrier-free. We are open to individual concerns that make participation in the program possible. The University of Potsdam offers an overview of counselling opportunities for students with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

The HPI d-school's academic programs are additional study courses that are open to students of all universities and disciplines. However, participation in the programs does not grant you student status (unless you have this status from another university) and you are not officially enrolled as a student of the University of Potsdam.