Contemporary Design Aalto University

Overview

The Contemporary Design Programme from Aalto University bridges research and design, and it provides students with strong foundation in practice-based research. It educates sensitive and visionary students who have skills to propose radical solutions and responsible innovations for the future.

After graduation the students:

• have strong practical design skills for material productions and experiments

• can critically reflect and innovate on established design traditions, emerging interpretations of design and their own design practice

• display a strong artistic vision and are able to take responsibility, argument and stand behind their work as a designer

• are able to profit from emerging technologies and materials in their artistic and design practices

• understand how the field of contemporary design works internationally and how their own work is connected to broader developments in society and commercial opportunities

• have experience in exhibiting and curatorial practices in the fields of design and contemporary craft, as well as how to connect their work to external partners and sponsors

• are familiar with means to commercialize design and design driven innovations

Career opportunities

The program serves as an Academic Lab where contemporary design and a strong design heritage mix and integrate with research and technology, advanced materials and manufacturing methods and entrepreneurial mindset resulting nontraditional and innovation-focused solutions.

Contemporary Design Programme graduates an alumnni network of talents. The network support the graduate to pursue a career as a creative entrepreneur following one’s strong artistic vision and/or as a member of a collective or start-up together with others. The graduate is prepared for work in teams and projects in collaboration with companies, organizations and the public sector. The graduate may also continue to develop one’s design excellence and research skills through doctoral studies.