Communication design is concerned with messages. A message might be displayed on a screen, on paper, in an exhibition, or in public space. It could be expressed by a government, by a protest movement, by an international brand or a small, culturally-specific client. Communication design identifies us with our tribes and subcultures; it operates didactically, making information legible and accessible in all aspects of our lives. At the HfG students develop their ability to respond intelligently and imaginatively to the context and content that they work with.

Our teaching programme exposes students to a multiplicity of artistic, technical, and professional possibilities. Each semester, the faculty offer new seminars in typography, graphic design, writing, research, image-making and art direction, and internationally acclaimed guest teachers add to the variety of expertise and wide-ranging curriculum. From this range, students choose their own programme of seminars, lectures and workshops, and further their practice with free projects and collaborative initiatives. Seminar groups are typically under 15 students, allowing for many individual meetings with professors. There are regular excursions and opportunities to work on live projects for clients inside and outside the school. The HfG is well equipped with studio and teaching space, with facilities for numerous printing techniques, audio-visual practice, and the making of objects.

The communication design department at the HfG produces imaginative and sophisticated communicators. Our diploma system gives time to the student, enabling them to grow and develop their own practice. Graduates of the department work in many roles: as independent designers, art directors, researchers, creative coders, and educators.