“The results of the Schwäbisch Gmünd education display a synthesis of creativity and order that no other University can achieve on this scale and with such conviction.” Prof. Martin Krampen, Ph.D. guest lecturer.

The Gmünder Model

A major unifying educational goal of the University is to cultivate creative, scientific, technical, and social skills in equal measure.

With the flood of data and knowledge available to us increasing daily, knowledge becomes obsolete ever faster. What is needed therefore is a flexible teaching and learning process to react to change quickly, give students an overview of the changing scene, and to avoid reliance on static and fixed blocks of information. The University"s programmes are built firmly on the design foundation courses. Further modules lead to the creation of intelligent problem-solving principles as the basis for recognizing and mastering future situations.

The Gmünder Modell emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of design and integrates the theoretical foundations into a single entity. During their major studies students work on projects independently and combine elective subjects freely according to their own developing professional interests, thus gaining practical skills and sharpening their critical faculties.

The areas of emphasis in the Communication Design course are:
- Transmedia design
- Digital media

The areas of emphasis in the Product Design course are:
- Product design
- Processes and Products

The strength of the Gmünder Modell is shown by the large number of prizes and commendations won by student projects and by the professional success of the University"s graduates.