The Hasso Plattner Institute offers degree programs in “IT Systems Engineering” that are unique Germany-wide. It is a practical form of computer science study that places special emphasis on the conception and development of complex software systems. The education at Hasso Plattner Institute is tuition free.

Research in HPI’s topic areas is carried out in Potsdam and internationally at the Hasso Plattner Institute Research School. It is distinguished by its high scientific standard, practical approach and close cooperation with industry. The primary focus of HPI’s research is on highly complex IT systems.

Hasso Plattner Institute holds an unique position on the landscape of German universities. Research and teaching are concentrated in the area of IT systems engineering. The highly ranked Bachelor, Master and PhD degree programs have a high practical and innovation orientation. Design Thinking spans a bridge between Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam and Hasso Plattner Institute of Design in Stanford.

The Hasso Plattner Institute has educational programs for both high school students and working professionals. It operates its own IT learning platform - openHPI - which provides free online courses. The Youth Academy organizes computer science camps and events for high school students. Professionals can take advantage of educational opportunities in the field of Design Thinking at the HPI Academy.

The Hasso Plattner Institute is respected and recognized far beyond its Potsdam borders. The public relations department is happy to answer questions and provide information about HPI activities.

Design Thinking Pioneers

In 2003, David Kelly, Larry Leifer und Terry Winnograd founded the d-school Stanford. They were supported by SAP founder Hasso Platter, who recognized the potential of Design Thinking. In the course of the following years, Plattner made it the DNA of his software company. In 2007, he founded the HPI School of Design Thinking in Potsdam.

Prof. David Kelley, professor at Stanford University and founder of IDEO

"We need to be able to think freely about what people would like to have." (Hasso Plattner)

(Excerpt from the presentation Innovation, Speed & Success by Hasso Plattner, 2007)

From the perspective of the IT entrepreneur, Hasso Plattner already recognized Design Thinking as a catalyst in the value chain more than 10 years ago. Today, companies such as Google, Procter & Gamble and the Volkswagen Group use Design Thinking as the motor for their evolution.

Design Thinking at HPI provides the methodological tools by which creative solutions and innovations can be developed by every person and every organization, and in a way that is systematic, replicable and goal-oriented.

For Professionals

Workshops
Programs
Open Formats
Costumized Formats

Design Thinking Research Program

Design Thinking Pioneers

"We need to be able to think freely about what people would like to have." (Hasso Plattner)

For Students and Project Partners

For Professionals

Design Thinking Research Program

Doing Design Thinking