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The Master Studio Speculative Software at the Design Department of the Fachhochschule Potsdam is dedicated to the design and exploration of creative, experimental software user interfaces. It is part of a full-time two-year Master programme, taught in English. The application via our website is open until 1. April 2026. There are no tuition fees. However, there are some fees for the student union and for administration purposes.
The studio pushes the boundaries of interaction design and invites students to speculate on the future of software. They are encouraged to challenge conventions, explore radical design approaches, and imagine new forms of digital interaction and representation that question established norms.
The studio covers a wide range of topics and is structured around three core perspectives: technology, speculation, and dissemination. In the first semester, students are introduced to the design of current technologies such as XR, web technologies, artificial intelligence, spatial typography, data visualization, and software prototyping. The second semester focuses on topics like speculative design, human-computer interaction, eco-social design, interface aesthetics, and media theory. The third semester emphasizes strategic communication and dissemination, while the fourth is dedicated to the Master’s thesis.
Students benefit from a broad range of practical and theoretical perspectives offered within the Department of Design. Each semester, the studio invites professors and lecturers to join as co-teachers, enriching the learning experience. As part of the Master's programme, students also have the opportunity to take electives across the department, fostering interdisciplinary learning and collaboration.
Additionally, those enrolled in the Studio for Speculative Software can choose to participate in the double degree programme with the National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech) in Taiwan.
Speculative Software places a strong emphasis on critical reflection, encouraging students to consider the cultural and ethical implications of software design. Graduates develop the ability to envision and create forward-thinking design concepts that inspire, challenge, and redefine software across diverse applications, from digital art installations to experimental software platforms. The studio welcomes applicants from a variety of backgrounds. We are looking for students who want to make a transformative impact in the evolving landscape of software design.
Headed by Boris Müller, Professor of Interaction Design and Co-Director of the Urban Complexity Lab, the studio builds upon innovative and experimental design research. The Urban Complexity Lab (UCLAB) is a research space at the intersection of design, science, and the humanities. Its activities have a strong focus on data visualization and exploratory design. Boris Müller recently gave a TEDx Talk on Speculative Software, presenting his unique perspective on design and exploration. Furthermore, he publishes essays on interaction design, data visualization, and design research on his Medium blog.
If you are interested in applying for the Master Studio for Speculative Software, please join our online information event on January 29, 2026 at 2 pm (CET) via Zoom.
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1st semester
Design & Technology Sprints
The first semester of the studio is structured around a series of intensive design and technology sprints. It begins with design reflections, which focus on critical thinking, conceptual framing, and the articulation of design intent. Building on this, students move into advanced prototyping and design explorations, working with tools such as Figma and HTML/CSS/JS for web typography. The studio also introduces spatial typography, data visualisation with D3, and interactive systems developed through Unity, XR technologies, TouchDesigner, physical computing, and AI-driven autonomous systems.
2nd semester
Radical Imagination & Speculation
In the second semester, students engage in a critical examination of contemporary design methodologies, including Speculative Design and Design Fiction, as tools for interrogating emerging technologies and their social, ecological, and ethical consequences. The studio introduces futures research techniques alongside participatory and collaborative design approaches. Students learn to systematically integrate technology ethics and design impact assessments into their practice. The semester places strong emphasis on discourse, reflection, and debate, enabling students to refine their critical thinking skills. Teaching is supported by a number of internationally renowned designers who participate as co-teachers, contributing diverse perspectives and professional expertise.
3rd semester
Reflect, Craft & Disseminate
The third semester provides students with the space to develop an individual focus, either by extending work from earlier semesters, pursuing a specific specialization, or strategically preparing for the Master’s thesis. During this period, students independently investigate a complex design question, sharpening both creative capabilities and methodological rigor. Emphasis is placed on articulating a distinct design position and refining personal authorship. Students also strengthen their ability to communicate ideas and research through clear narratives, critical argumentation, visual expression, and effective staging. Overall, the semester establishes a solid foundation for the thesis and consolidates each student’s professional identity as a designer.
4th semester
MA Thesis
The Master’s thesis represents the culmination of the degree programme and provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate advanced expertise and a highly developed creative practice. Students engage intensively with complex questions, integrating theoretical inquiry with artistic and practice-based exploration. Through this process, they position themselves to assume and actively shape demanding roles in design, business, art, and research at both national and international levels. The thesis consists of a written theoretical reflection and a colloquium, and concludes with a public presentation and academic defence in which the final project and its underlying research are critically examined.
Note: With 240 ECTS credits, you can apply for all study tracks. For the four-semester track, 180 ECTS credits are sufficient. Students with more than 180 ECTS credits can apply for the recognition of these credits after enrollment in order to shorten their studies.
Double Degree
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The two-year Master’s programme provides an opportunity to obtain a double degree. In your first year, you will study at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and in your second year at the National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech). At Taipei Tech’s Interaction Design MA programme, you can dive deep into topics such as XR, UX, Service Design, as well as Human-Centred AI.
You will gain hands-on experience working on both creative and research-driven projects, developing, implementing, and documenting your own ideas. The Master’s thesis will be completed at Taipei Tech, with supervisors from both universities. Participation in the double degree is optional. You can apply for it after you have been accepted to the studio.
