BI Workshop Week 2024

This spring semester of 2024, we are delighted to introduce the yearly happening Workshop Week. Between the 18th and 22nd of March, teaching pauses, and students will have the chance to volunteer for a practical week of hands-on learning experience. Several varied workshops are available. Read on for a list of the workshops students can choose from and a brief description of what will be done during the week. Workshops will generally take place on campus. We are looking forward to your participation! You can find the program flyer here.

Freehand Sketching by Torsten Redlich

Students will learn basic skills in freehand sketching and develop a small portfolio of their own works based on the exercises done in the course. Introduction to Model-Making This workshop introduces the different applications, scales, materials, and model-making techniques.

Self-Organization by Svetlana Shcherbinina

The basics of self-organization, personal development, time management, attention management, thinking tools, and note-making will be presented and used.

Presentation Skills by Jeremiah Day

Students will focus on the preparation, contents, appropriate body language, and compelling interplay with the audience of successful presentations.

Photography by Orhan Kolukisa

The workshop takes beginner photographers through all the basics of photography to develop and improve skills and knowledge.

Adobe Photoshop by Katherina Ploog

The hands-on course teaches the production of visual material for print, screen, and web. It includes image processing and editing, illustration techniques, text and typography, and the basics of sequence and animation. Small projects will convey software skills and technical knowledge, focusing on professional practice.

Contemporary Issues – What Design can do? by Omer Polak

The course "Contemporary Issues - What design can do?" aims to invite students to engage with the dynamic and interconnected issues shaping both societies and individual lives. Through a lens of critical thinking, participants will explore the impact of disruptive technological changes, geopolitical and economic events, and major societal shifts. This multidisciplinary course will draw inspiration from arts and culture, sociology, philosophy, and economics, offering a comprehensive foundation for understanding and critically engaging with contemporary challenges.

Introduction to Model Making by Nertos Gutierrez

This workshop is an introduction to the world of Model Making, embracing its different applications, scales, materials and techniques. It encourages the research and discovery of new ways of making and representing through a combination of fine arts and digital production.

Introduction to Spreadsheets by Cristina Escobar

This workshop provides an introduction to Microsoft Excel and similar spreadsheet programs such as Google Sheets or LibreOffice Calc.

Interculturality at the table by Meike Langer

What we cook and eat and how we get together at the table deeply reflect our cultural heritage. We often forget how our culture shapes our approaches as designers and our way of thinking and acting. In the workshop, we will address this topic in a playful way - precisely at the table. We will introduce and cook our favorite dishes. Furthermore, we will design the decor of a porcelain service reflecting our cultural roots. The porcelain service will then be used for a splendid dish party. We design the decor with printable foils specially made for porcelain.

Rendering and Virtual Reality by Daniel Martin, Prof. Javier Martin & Dr. Juan Pablo Ugarte

The workshop aims to equip students with the skills to create realistic visual renderings using Twin motion and seamlessly integrate Virtual Reality in the design process. By focusing on the design of a small pavilion, participants will have the opportunity to apply the tools and techniques covered in the workshop, gaining practical experience in the field.

Conversing with Machines: Strategies for Effective Prompt Design by Prof. Dr. Peter Mantel

This short workshop for beginners delves into the basics and practical applications of prompt engineering. After a brief overview of ChatGPT and other large language models, participants will focus on crafting effective prompts for optimal outcomes. Real-world examples will illuminate the impact of prompt variations, paving the way for some hands-on exercises. Best practices for tailoring prompts to specific objectives will be discussed.

Capture the Knowledge: Basics of Note-Taking by Prof. Dr. Peter Mantel

Effective note-taking is an invaluable skill applicable to students, researchers, and professionals in business settings. Furthermore, the workshop extends its relevance to personal life, ensuring it provides benefits across a diverse audience. During this session, participants will be introduced to various note-taking concepts, specifically emphasizing the Zettelkasten method. Dive into essential tools, with a focus on Obsidian (paired with Zotero). Acquire insights into the core principles of creating, organizing, and efficiently retrieving notes. Unveil the art of transforming scattered ideas into a cohesive knowledge network, enriching your learning journey, and contributing to your academic accomplishments.

Master your Money: Basics of Personal Finance by Prof. Dr. Peter Mantel

Join our "Basics of Personal Finance Workshop" for students with limited prior knowledge. This workshop aims to be a gateway to mastering essential financial skills. We'll cover budgeting, saving strategies, and the basics of investing. From understanding credit to planning for future financial goals, this workshop provides practical insights to empower you on your financial journey. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and gain the confidence to make informed financial decisions.

Improve your skills with the Foam Cutter by Holger Janke

The Foam Cutter offers many options for building models quickly and easily. Straight cuts, as are angled cuts, domes, hemispheres, polygons, columns, cones, or cylinders, are possible. In this workshop, you will learn how this works.