Study ‘Speculative Software’ in Potsdam!
We are starting a new Design Master programme — taught in English
If you have followed by writings in the last few years, you know that I am strong advocate for innovative and experimental interaction design. I have pursued this approach both as an educator and a researcher.
This October, my university (the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam) is starting with a new post-graduate design programme, based on a studio concept. While we still maintain a general Master of Art in Design, the studios allow us to create thematic focal points within the design department. Studios create the ‘Leitmotiv’ for your degree.
I will be heading the MA Studio for Speculative Software. The studio and all accompanying classes will be taught in English — you don’t need to speak German in order to enrol in the MA.
If you are interested in applying — here is a FAQ:
1 — What is Speculative Software?
Software is the most dominant medium of our time. Yet we treat it like a technological entity. Current design of software lacks creativity and imagination. ‘Speculative Software’ is an attempt to radically re-think the way we design software.
In November 2024 I gave a TEDx presentation on the topic. In my talk, I discuss screen time, mathematics, fictional design landscapes — but most importantly I call for more creativity, curiosity, and imagination in software design. If you are interested in the topic, watch the TEDx talk!
2 — What is the MA Studio Speculative Software?
Here is the description of the MA Studio Speculative Software from our university website:
The Master Studio Speculative Software is dedicated to the design and exploration of creative, experimental software user interfaces. It is part of a full-time two-year Master programme, taught in English.
The studio pushes the boundaries of interaction design and invites students to speculate on the future of software. They are encouraged to challenge conventions, explore radical design approaches, and imagine new forms of digital interaction and representation that question established norms.
The studio covers a wide range of topics and is structured around three core perspectives: technology, speculation, and dissemination. In the first semester, students are introduced to current technologies such as XR, web technologies, artificial intelligence, spatial typography, robotics, data visualization, and software prototyping. The second semester focuses on theory, thesis development, and design discourse, engaging with topics like speculative design, human-computer interaction, cultural theory, and media theory. The third semester emphasizes strategic communication and dissemination, while the fourth is dedicated to the Master’s thesis.
Students benefit from a broad range of practical and theoretical perspectives offered within the Design Department. Each semester, the studio invites professors and lecturers to join as co-teachers, enriching the learning experience. As part of the Master’s programme, students also have the opportunity to take electives across the department, fostering interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. (For details, please check the Modules and Course of Study).
Additionally, those enrolled in the Studio for Speculative Software can choose to participate in the double degree programme with the National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech) in Taiwan.
Speculative Software places a strong emphasis on critical reflection, encouraging students to consider the cultural and ethical implications of software design. Graduates develop the ability to envision and create forward-thinking design concepts that inspire, challenge, and redefine software across diverse applications, from digital art installations to experimental software platforms. The studio welcomes applicants from a variety of backgrounds. We are looking for students who want to make a transformative impact in the evolving landscape of software design.
Headed by Boris Müller, Professor of Interaction Design and Co-Director of the Urban Complexity Lab, the studio builds upon innovative and experimental design research. The Urban Complexity Lab (UCLAB) is a research space at the intersection of design, science, and the humanities. Its activities have a strong focus on data visualization and exploratory design. Boris Müller recently gave a TEDx Talk on Speculative Software, presenting his unique perspective on design and exploration. Furthermore, he publishes essays on interaction design, data visualization, and design research on his blog.
3 — Who can Apply?
Anyone with a Bachelor degree (or equivalent) with at least 180 ECTS credit points can apply. We welcome applications from all kinds of backgrounds. Design, Arts, UX, Computer Science, Visualisation, Architecture — but also from related fields.
We are looking for students who have distinct visual, conceptual and technical skills and who have an interest in design research.
Furthermore, we are curious about what you are doing and what you want to bring to the degree!
4 — What is the Project Outline and the Entrance Exam?
Here you can find more information about the application procedure.
In order to assess your application, we ask you to write / create a project outline. This can be a concrete project proposal — but also a research question, a general reflection on software and speculation — anything that conveys your interest and motivation for participating in the MA Studio Speculative Software. Simply put: the aim of the project outline is to convince us that you are the right person for the Studio.
We review all portfolios and project outlines and then invite the applicants to an entrance exam — which is basically an online interview. The interview will take about 15 minutes, during the first 5–7 minutes, you will present your project outline, the rest of the time is used for questions and discussions.
5 — Do I need Programming Skills?
No, not necessarily. However, in the Studio, you will design software and work a lot with digital technology. So prototyping skills — in a very wide sense — are definitely required.
6 — What are the Fees?
Education is free in Germany — so there are no tuition fees. However, there are some fees for the student union and for administration purposes. Furthermore, there is a fee for the Deutschlandticket, which allows you to take any form of regional public transport in Germany. Currently all fees account for 322,74 Euros per semester.
Here is a detailed overview of all fees at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.
7 — Where exactly is Potsdam?
Potsdam is just down the road from Berlin. I often quip that what Versailles is to Paris, Potsdam is to Berlin.
Potsdam itself is a really nice city. Lovely old town, dozens (!) of castles, many research institutes and universities, great parks and a lot of lakes , impressive cultural life — while being really close to Berlin.
However, if you prefer to live in an urban center, you can move to Berlin and commute by train to the university. Depending on where you live, this takes about an hour.
8 — I have questions! How can I get in touch?
We are hosting an online event for anyone who is interested in our new MA programme. During the event, we will offer a breakout group dedicated to the MA Studio Speculative Software.
So if you are interested in applying, please join our online information event on May 22, 2025 at 2 pm (CEST).
See you then!
