“The new program for the first year will have a more traditional set-up especially”, says the dean. “We offer the same five standard courses, but within ID there will be a stronger focus on the knowledge component, by offering courses students that include exams. The new model enables students to opt for electives at other departments, something that’s pretty much impossible right now. For the second and third year, we’ll still be working with assessing student projects for the design aspect of the program, but the assessment procedure will be more efficient.”

The new approach also means that fifty freelancers who are currently contributing to the program for one or two days a week can be let go.  Brombacher: “We very much appreciate what this group has done for us over the past years, but as such they are redundant in the new model; professional skills will be included in the curriculum differently from now on. The Departmental Council previously indicated their worry concerning the group of freelancers leaving, but Brombacher insists the new educational model won’t involve a heavier workload.

ID research will focus on eight core chair areas, and there’s room for five associate professors, who will also help chair holders acquire funds from external funders. From now on, eighty percent of all student projects will have to meet the research focus of either the department or university.

Brombacher: “A clear focus on specific research areas is imperative to secure extra funds. Up until now, anyone was free to do whatever they felt like, which meant there was no control, and it’s hard to collaborate with other research groups at university that way. But now collaboration will be one of our focal points.” Outside university, Brombacher is thinking of working with small and medium-sized design agencies to interest large businesses in joint projects.

The reorganization plan estimates the budget to implement the changes for 2015 at 585 thousand euros. The Executive Board in investigating whether that’s feasible, says Brombacher. The department is looking for a new position for four administrative and support staff members within the university.