Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK)
On
1 August 2007 the School of Art and Design Zurich (HGKZ) and the Zurich
School of Music, Drama and Dance (HMT) merged to become one of Europe’s
largest universities of the arts: the Zurich University of the Arts
(Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, ZHdK). Comprising more than 2000
students, the University offers a unique range of programmes from
further education opportunities to undergraduate, postgraduate and
research degrees in design, film, art, media, music, dance, theatre and
art education.
Our mission is to be at the
forefront of learning, research and practice. While anchored in Greater
Zurich, our influence extends well beyond Switzerland to the
international stage. Closely aligning teaching and research, our
programmes are designed to promote transdisciplinary work. We provide
a bridge between higher education, professional practice and the
general public by showcasing the achievements of our staff and students
in the University own exhibition spaces, theatre, dance and concert
halls, including the renowned Zurich Museum of Design and the newly
established Theatre of the Arts (formerly the Sihl Theatre). We thus
make a significant contribution to cultural life in the city and region
of Zurich.
Course objectives
The Interaction Design programme focuses on human-machine interaction. The Interaction Design track explores user- and application-centered design. It focuses on user-centered process design and user experience. The Game Design
track centres on developing and realizing interactive games. Students
acquire a creative approach to digital media and build core skills for
designing virtual worlds.
Course content
Both
courses build conceptual, language, and creative skills for digital
media. Students pursue joint core modules for part of their course.
Interaction designers develop interactive applications
(practice-oriented programmes and services), while game designers focus
on game development.
Interaction Design
Design-technical
skills (visual, auditory, haptic); scenario planning; principles of
dynamic information, communication, and transactional systems;
knowledge architecture; principles of 2D/3D-information spaces;
programming and digital prototyping; electronics and physical computing
fundamentals.
Game Design
Drawing,
interface design, game writing, 3D-modelling and animation, scripting
and programming, sound design; production methods, rules of the game,
mechanics, game play, level design; interactive storytelling,
narration, dramaturgy, logic and artificial intelligence.
The
course consists of theoretical and practical elements of the relevant
BA modules. Students acquire essential knowledge and skills through
project-based work and complementary planning, development, and
realization techniques. Coursework leads to a BA Design. Successful
students are eligible for direct transfer to the corresponding Master’s
degree.
Employment opportunities
nteraction
Designers are much sought after in industry, research, and the arts and
culture. Briefs include system design (programmes, services, etc) as
well as interface and interactive design. Typically, they will work as
interaction designers, interface designers, information architects, and
project managers.
Game design graduates
devise tomorrow’s entertainment, edutainment, and infotainment
products. They enable a playful approach to digital worlds, occupying
positions in the computer game industry and related media blending with
digital games. Graduates meet the demands of entry-level positions in
the computer game industry and work as level designers, 3D-game
artists, character designers, game conceptualists, and project
managers.
Course director
Prof. Dr. Gerhard M. Buurman
Course coordinators
Interaction Design: Prof. Jürgen Späth
Game Design: Dipl.-Ing. Ulrich Götz
Contact
Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK)
Department of Design, Specialization in Interaction Design
Ausstellungsstrasse 60, Postfach, CH-8031 Zürich
Tel. +41 43 446 32 54, Fax +41 43 446 45 87
Email
