Content and structure

Course content.

In a visually oriented society, communication and knowledge are being controlled more than ever with images. Images grab people’s attention and make it easier to understand information: they reveal complex insights and contexts that are not visible to the naked eye.  

Students will explore how images and visualization concepts are created in scientific communication and cognitive processes. The focus is on an individual research-oriented design project: students investigate specific research questions and develop knowledge visualizations in the form of design products. Close cooperation with research partners enables in-depth exploration of visualization concepts, communication strategies as well as media and technical issues.  

Building on the skills acquired in the Bachelor or equivalent prior knowledge, you will acquire individual expertise – and thus a higher professional qualification. The Master’s degree promotes interdisciplinary working methods and has connections with related design disciplines. It is structured to enable non-consecutive students from other design fields or related scientific disciplines to participate.  

Course structure.

Development of the thesis 

In the first module area, students develop their central thesis and Master’s project. The following formats accompany the research-oriented work: independent project work, mentoring, peer learning, pilot project, two conferences lasting several days, thesis development, evaluation, testing, examination colloquia.  

Topics will be explored with students of both semesters and the individual progress of the projects in regular Master’s colloquia over all four semesters. You will also explore current topics on knowledge visualization, science and design, and scientific communication. In the process, you will compare your individual Master’s projects in terms of methodology, best practice, quality criteria, course content relevance and goals, and hone your approaches and goals. 

Practice 

The general practice modules focus on knowledge and skills related to approaches, techniques and production, conception, communication strategies and visual design of visualizations. You will explore the following topics in depth: 3D visualization, 3D and imaging processes, production research (external/pooled), applied design, narration in science and design, didactic interaction (didactic strategies of interactive scientific knowledge transfer).  

The second module area includes the active design and implementation of diverse forms of visualization and insights into the related discipline of image production and example projects. The topics include imaging processes, immersive media and design research projects. 

Theory  

The third module area explores theories, methods, and modules of knowledge visualization and visual knowledge communication within the sciences (Science to Science) and from the sciences to the public (Scientainment, Public Understanding of Science). It also addresses current research questions on knowledge visualization and scientific communication. 

Interdisciplinary theory and practice  

The fourth module area teaches advanced design practices in a range of interdisciplinary Major courses and provides collaboration with and in-depth insights into other design sectors or knowledge fields. 

Final project  

The final module area consists of a Master’s thesis, along with the compulsory modules «Thesis Theory» and «Thesis Practice». 

Skills acquired in the course.

When you graduate, you will be able to: 

  • Know, apply and critically reflect on scientific methods and techniques;

  • Discern the epistemic principles and processes of science communication and be able to direct the conception and creation of scientific images and visualizations;

  • Know the conditions, application possibilities and design aspects of scientific imaging and be able to independently integrate them into knowledge visualization;

  • Know the requirements for interdisciplinary collaboration with scientists and be able to apply your scientific visual literacy, both within the sciences (science to science) and in disseminating knowledge to a wider audience (scientainment / public understanding of science);

  • Earn a higher professional qualification based on your individual specialization and expertise and contribute to setting new, forward-looking trends in knowledge visualization and science communication;

  • Know the most important theories, models, working methods and best practices in the field of knowledge visualization, visual knowledge and science communication (science to science, scientainment, epistemic visualization);

  • Use design methods to explore research questions in the field of knowledge visualization in cooperation with experts, visualize the results and findings, and translate them into innovative solution concepts.

Admissions requirements.

The Master’s Major in Knowledge Visualization is suitable for designers who would like to captivate a range of audiences using scientific stories. Prospective students must be interested in current scientific topics and be keen to learn about a wide range of design methods for knowledge transfer. Further requirements: 

  • Creative potential 

  • Drawing-design skills 

  • Knowledge of digital design tools 

  • Spatial awareness 

  • Content-related analytical skills 

  • Good observational skills and the ability to work in a team 

  • Interest in natural sciences and/or other scientific areas 

  • Passion for teaching 

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

  • The degree course in Knowledge Visualization is more than 70 years old and is internationally unique: 

  • The lecturers work in the field of illustration and/or visualization; they support students and provide them with personalized, practical advice. 

  • You will have contact with like-minded people throughout the course who are passionate about illustration, image visualization and knowledge transfer. 

  • You will create a unique designer profile and a sustainable network for team and cooperation projects, which will provide an optimum springboard from which to launch yourself into your professional future. 

Studying at ZHdK offers you a wealth of benefits.

  • Great opportunities to actively shape your future: ZHdK offers state-of-the-art, interdisciplinary and yet highly specialized training.  

  • Our campus (Toni-Areal) is an educational and cultural hub that unites all creative disciplines under one roof and is unique across Europe. 

  • ZHdK is home to vanguard projects and events. 

  • You will benefit from a wide range of professional networks and collaborations with the creative industries, as well as with other national and international educational institutions.