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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 / Projects /

p304 Rubigo

At the beginning, there is a system, a pattern of filigree elements. The viewer can take control via a camera interface, change the pattern, and receive feedback. The elements react by enlarging and rotating. The rotation of the surrounding elements creates a moiré effect. The filigree system appears in three variants, which can be played through with a click of the mouse. While the first two patterns are characterized by slow rotation and enlargement, the last one moves very quickly. The pointed elements make the gestures more visible in front of the camera. As soon as the movement slows down, the elements shrink back to their original size and the pattern returns to its starting point.

Try it out here! Only works with Google Chrome and webcam.