All continuing education programmes

In this continuing education module, visual designers learn the fundamentals of generative design and creative coding. In a live coding environment, they develop algorithmically generated forms and typography, experiment with animation, interaction, and audio-reactive visualizations, and design their own digital tools for visual communication.

The International Master of Design in Graphic Design UIC/HGK Basel program (MDes Basel) is a collaboration between two preeminent design schools housed in leading public research institutions: The Institute Digital Communication Environments (IDCE) of the Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW (HGK Basel) and the School of Design at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC). The MDes Basel program offers advanced design students’ opportunities to amplify their creative abilities as they engage in the world-class cultural offerings of two vibrant cities. The students are enrolled at UIC, the teaching takes place at the HGK Basel. Upon successful completion of the MAS, graduates are granted an internationally accredited Master of Design (MDes) from the University of Illinois Chicago and two MAS-certificates from the HGK Basel.

How do we navigate, shape, and question the digital world? This programme explores digital technologies as cultural, political, and artistic phenomena. You critically engage with platforms, algorithms, and digital practices - and develop strategies to act creatively, reflectively, and responsibly in our networked society.

How can artificial intelligences (AI) such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Runway be used meaningfully and sustainably in creative design and art projects? The workshop offers an introduction to the technical basics of these tools and gives participants the opportunity to integrate them competently into their own practice.

Visual communication plays a central role in shaping the images we encounter in daily life. Since the design of images is always an interpretation of the world by the designer, visual messages inevitably influence the perception of the beholder. In today’s world of digital communication channels, understanding how images are perceived, both in their visual appearance and the media through which they are disseminated, is essential for creating and sharing them consciously and responsibly. 

What makes a poster unforgettable? In this workshop, participants learn how to transform a clear idea into a visually compelling poster. They work with colour, form, and typography to convey content concisely and develop a unique design style.

What can happen in one transformative week of making, thinking, and connecting? The Summer School invites you to explore art and design through intensive workshops led by international practitioners. In an open and interdisciplinary setting, you experiment, reflect, and expand your creative practice — right in the cultural heart of Basel.

Tender Computing is a concept and workpractice that explores a soft, experimental and playful way of Physical Computing, which means the creative design of interactive objects and spaces. The module provides a project based introduction to Physical Computing and the Tender Concept in a curated lab-like atmosphere.

How do letterforms shape the way we read and feel? In this module, you dive into the fundamentals of type design — from sketch to digital font. You explore the aesthetics, structure, and rhythm of typography while developing your own typeface through guided practice and critical reflection.

Every day, we view and interact with a wide range of information on various monitors. The terms UX and UI design describe the process of designing these interactions and information.

How do images shape what we see — and what we believe? This programme explores the power of visual communication across cultures, media, and contexts. You sharpen your ability to read, interpret, and create images critically and creatively — expanding your visual vocabulary as both a maker and a thinker.