Especially now—when screens and smartphones, AI, and rapid technological change can feel all-consuming—it’s more important than ever to make space for hands-on exploration: working with physical materials, building practical skills, and learning through making. After all, many digital designs begin right here: in the tactile, experimental process of creating.
 

In the Maker Studio, we create an environment where students can experiment, iterate, and innovate with physical materials and sensory elements. Digital design often simulates reality; the Maker Studio invites you to engage with the real world—real materials, real constraints, and real outcomes. This makes it possible to turn ideas into tangible prototypes that spark authentic reactions and meaningful feedback.
 

Students can also develop physical products that strengthen and complement digital designs, resulting in more complete solutions and broader design possibilities. Working with materials by hand activates cognitive processes that deepen understanding of colour, form, space, structure, and texture. It also fuels creativity through rich sensory input and immediate, tangible feedback—making faster, more inspiring iterations possible.
The limitations and possibilities of physical materials encourage new ways of thinking and often lead to unexpected, innovative solutions. And because making is inherently collaborative, experimenting in the Maker Studio naturally supports the exchange of ideas across different design domains.

Minor content 

Set up your own study plan and learn skills such as:

• Creating 2D/3D analog prototypes
• Working with textiles and other materials

Structure of the minor

Within the studio, you work with two different types of projects, each with its own purpose.

Project – Non-commissioned work
During this project, you work on non-commissioned work.
This gives you plenty of freedom to determine your own direction.

That means:
• You do not work for a client
• You focus on your own development, interests, and learning goals
• You experiment, deepen your knowledge, and explore your field
• This work forms the foundation for your growth as a maker/designer

Project – Commissioned work
During this project, you work on commissioned work.

That means:
• You work for a real client
• You collaborate in an interdisciplinary team
• The client project is leading
• You demonstrate how you apply your field of expertise and/or design knowledge in a professional context
Within the various projects, you work on 5 competencies: Creating, Researching, Organising, Communicating and Learning.

Workshops and Clubs

During the semester, you can take part in Workshops and Clubs based on your own interests and learning goals. They can support your projects or development, but do not always have to be directly connected to them. The most important thing is that you can explain what you have learned and how this contributes to your growth as a maker or designer.

Target audience and recommended knowledge

You feel the need to step out of the digital world for a while and make hands-on creations.

Access to the community for the entire lesson week. Dates and times of workshops, lectures, consultations, feedback sessions and mentor meetings will be communicated at the start.

Examination   The assessment consists of two assessments (a midterm and a final assessment). Throughout the minor, you collect evidence in a portfolio. During the assessments, you present and justify your design choices and learning process in a conversation with assessors. If you successfully complete the minor, you will receive 30 ECTS.