Play the System
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is a platform for parametric design in graphic design. It documents the work of students and teachers at the Department of Design at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences (HAW), who are investigating the significance of the system as a conceptual model and design method under the title “Parametric Design in Graphic Design.”

Design is less about intuitive, even ingenious “strokes of genius” and more about a holistic and rule-based (systemic and systematic) process of gaining knowledge and shaping form. It is becoming increasingly important to be able to design dynamic systems that both guide and inspire the design process.

Parametric design refers to this design in and of systems—with rules, their modes of operation, and systematic manipulability. The research project, led by Prof. Heike Grebin, is an integral part of teaching and aims to raise awareness of design as a performative process.

Play the System brings together selected study projects in which the system plays an important role as a design method – whether analog or digital. The works are created in a fruitful symbiosis of theory, design, and technology. Socially relevant issues and positions from philosophy, art, and avant-garde design from around 1900 to the present day are repeatedly discussed.

Play the System is an invitation to become aware of the systemic competence of graphic design and to gain the maturity to use the tools of digital design critically.

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Play the System Courses /

c26 Rage=

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A visit to the Us by Night design festival in Antwerp provided a great deal of inspiration for these master’s students. On the one hand, they were fascinated by all the designers, images, animations, talks, and events. On the other hand, they asked themselves: What’s with all the glamour? Why are designers so apolitical? Why aren’t relevant issues being discussed? Why don’t topical discussions about working conditions, social change, or social cultures play a role?
They became angry and suddenly found themselves in the middle of a heated discussion about this emotion: anger has reasons, anger provides impetus, anger can bring about change and set things in motion, anger is an emotion full of contradictions and diversity. In keeping with this theme, they found a very special space for inspiration, reflection, and impetus in Hamburg’s Rote Flora. The resulting exhibition Rage=, shown at the Rote Flora in April 2018, revolved around 13 design projects. In the examination of the role of designers and design, parametric design methods influenced the exhibition concept as well as the design process and the results of the various projects.