STUDIEROUTEKAART

The experience of the city is no longer purely physical. Digital media play an increasingly important role. No one leaves the house without a mobile phone, putting the online world within reach at all times. You can find the best restaurant by scanning the area on your screen or share a post with friends about your fun evening while waiting at the bus station. Digital developments are increasingly shaping how people navigate the city and interact with each other in public spaces.

Would you like to design beyond the boundaries of your own field? Are you interested in working on a real project for a real client in an urban setting? Then join the minor Urban Interaction Design.

In this minor, you will design urban spaces where digital and physical experiences converge. This requires a transdisciplinary approach, where designs are created from multiple perspectives. You’ll collaborate with students from diverse programs, learn from their knowledge and methods, and together develop new insights and concepts.

The minor begins with a series of bootcamps. You’ll gain knowledge of applied psychology and learn methods from product design, urban design, and digital design. You’ll also learn to critically examine developments and design solutions rooted in public values. This shared foundation will prepare you for the next phase of the program.

You will conduct field research in Amsterdam and during a city trip to another European city, observing how different disciplines intersect in real-world contexts. Next, you’ll work on a design project for an Amsterdam neighborhood, tackling themes like sustainability, diversity, and digitalization. Throughout the project, you’ll receive intensive guidance from various coaches, and inspiration sessions will feature professional designers. The minor culminates in the creation of an interactive prototype and a public exhibition.

For more information, visit: www.urbaninteractiondesign.nl.

Urban Interaction Design is a minor provided by CMD. This minor is especially suited for students in CMD, HBO-ICT, CO/CB, AMFI, Product Design, Applied Psychology, and Built Environment. If you’re from a different program, please contact us to discuss your eligibility.

Learning outcomes / competences

The minor revolves around the central question: How do you design sustainable experiences in an urban environment where the physical and digital are intertwined?

We focus on achieving two key learning outcomes:

1. Designing hybrid urban experiences: In a complex and evolving society, the student designs hybrid urban experiences that protect and enhance public values while considering a diverse group of stakeholders, including the planet.
2. Collaboration and personal growth: The student collaborates effectively in a transdisciplinary team and actively takes ownership of their growth as a designer.

Course Overview

• Bootcamp weeks (4 weeks): Gain foundational knowledge and skills in applied psychology, urban design, product design, and digital design.
• Fieldwork and excursion: Conduct field research in Amsterdam and participate in an excursion to another European city.
• Design project (approximately 10 weeks): Work on a design project addressing real-world challenges in an urban context.
• Completion: Present your work in a final exhibition and compile a portfolio.

ECTS Points

30 ECTS

Portfolio assessment

At the end of the minor, there is a final assessment based on your portfolio, which will determine your grade. Prior to this, regular formative assessments provide feedback on your interim portfolio and progress. These non-graded evaluations give you clear insights into your standing and help identify areas for improvement.

We prioritize creating a space for experimentation and learning through trial and error without immediate grading. Throughout the minor, you are responsible for collecting materials to demonstrate your achievement of the learning outcomes at the final assessment. This approach emphasizes independence and a proactive work ethic.

Admission Requirements

You must meet the admission requirements of your own program to enroll in a minor. For details, refer to the Teaching and Examination Regulations for your study program.

What We Look For

We value students who demonstrate:

• Open-mindedness and curiosity
• Interest in interdisciplinary collaboration
• Enthusiasm for designing and creating
• Affinity with themes such as Sustainability, Diversity & Inclusion, Digitalization, and the urban environment

Since the program is conducted entirely in English, participants should have a good understanding of the language, including the ability to read and follow English texts.

This is an intensive minor that requires independence and a proactive attitude.

Questions?

Are you curious but still have questions? Feel free to contact the coordinator for more information.

Studymaterial

Minor - reader

Schedule

The schedule will be shared two weeks before the start of the minor via rooster.hva.nl. The program requires a commitment of 32 hours per week. Four days per week are dedicated to teamwork and other contact activities, while one fixed day is set aside for personal appointments or other commitments.

Costs

Approximately €200,- (for excursion and materials). Exact costs depend on the destination of the excursion, but we do our best to keep it affordable.

Additional information

For more information, visit: www.urbaninteractiondesign.nl.

Contact time

12 hours of contact time with teachers / coaches, spread over the week. You are available to your fellow group members 4 days a week.