How can higher education and professional design practice work together more effectively? This question was the focus of the German Design Council’s first German Design Graduates Round Table. Prof. Dr. Klaus Birk, program director of Media Design and director of the Center for Immersive Media at the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University, participated in the roundtable discussion.
The event took place on October 15, 2026, at the Faculty of Design at Munich University of Applied Sciences as part of the opening of the “Make It Make Sense” exhibition. Selected representatives from universities, design industry, and up-and-coming designers came together to discuss the changing landscape of the discipline and the demands placed on future designers.
The discussion centered on two fundamental questions: What is taught in design programs at German universities that companies do not utilize? And what skills do companies need that have not been sufficiently taught in design education to date? The discussion was intended to highlight where the curriculum aligns with the demands of professional practice, and, above all, where the gaps exist.
The event also addressed the impact of economic, environmental, and social changes, as well as new technologies and work processes, on design. Other topics included design governance, economic efficiency, and globalization, as well as the future role of design in economic contexts. The goal was to examine the challenges and opportunities for universities, companies, and graduates from various perspectives.
The Round Table is intended to serve as the starting point for a long-term dialogue on design leadership. The insights gained will be explored in greater depth in future workshops, networking events, and educational programs, and will provide impetus for the further development of design education and institutional offerings.
Many thanks Katrin Krupka (GDG) for the invitation.
