Postgraduate Programme in Design Research
This unique offering is dedicated to innovative minds with a background in design, art and emerging technologies. Each year, the EPFL+ECAL Lab selects 3-4 candidates at the international level to become part of the team as research assistants. Candidates develop a full research project from conception to implementation, with results generating knowledge about human perception, adoption and impact.
The fully accredited MAS curriculum, followed in parallel, provides a personalised education in core disciplines including design research methodologies, prototyping tools, UX psychology practices and ethics. Income from the research assistant position covers the MAS tuition fees and ensures the candidate financial autonomy over the two years.
Perspectives
The unique design research and innovation skills obtained during the Postgraduate Programme in Design Research set candidates up for future opportunities in design studios, PhD studies, university teaching or their own practice.
Beyond this, the soft skills developed in writing, verbal presentation and research methods provide a solid basis for a range of careers.
Key facts
2 years
Both French and English are spoken daily at the lab. However, written and spoken fluency in English is a requirement so that outcomes and publications can be published internationally.
60 ECTS
Master of Advanced Studies in Design Research for Digital Innovation
EPFL & HES-SO
Structure
During the programme, candidates are involved in different kinds of work that develop their skills and knowledge in academic research, team work, project management, creativity and critical thinking.
Research projects
Each candidate works on a real project being developed by the EPFL+ECAL Lab, often in collaboration with external partners and clients. They drive the research project, but collaborate with other members of the lab during the process.
Studio projects
![Studio Project [SOS]. © EPFL+ECAL Lab / Andrea Pronzati](https://backend.epfl-ecal-lab.ch/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/EPFLECALLab_SP_SOS_AndreaPronzati-1536x864.jpg)
![[H2O] Human 2 Objects](https://backend.epfl-ecal-lab.ch/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/EPFLECALLab_SP-H2O_006-3072x1728.jpg)
![[ICE] Intelligent. Captivating. Experient.](https://backend.epfl-ecal-lab.ch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EPFLECALLab_SP_2202_SP-ICE_Offskate_RemiOpakinski-2304x1536.jpg)
![[TXT] Typography. Experience. Trigger.](https://backend.epfl-ecal-lab.ch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EPFLECALLab_SP_2201_SP-TXT_RhymesForOurTimes_MargheritaMotta-IgnacioPerez-2304x1537.jpg)
![[IAM] Identity. Anagram. Meaning.](https://backend.epfl-ecal-lab.ch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EPFLECALLab_SP_2103_SP-IAM_LivingMinutiae_IgnacioPerez-2304x1536.jpg)
![[RIP] Rethink Immaterial Property](https://backend.epfl-ecal-lab.ch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EPFLECALLab_SP_2102_SP-ART_Offline_AndreAndrade-2304x1536.jpg)
![[SP] Daily Adhocism](https://backend.epfl-ecal-lab.ch/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/EPFLECALLab_2101_SP-DailyAdhocism_Octopus_ValentinCalame-2304x1536.jpg)
![[WTF] What The Flux?](https://backend.epfl-ecal-lab.ch/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EPFLECALLab_SP_2002_SP-WTF_BirdCollectionSystem_HelenePortier-2304x1536.jpg)
![[AAR] Augmented Augmented Reality](https://backend.epfl-ecal-lab.ch/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/EPFLECALLab_2001_SP-AAR_Derive_PierreXavierPuissant-2304x1536.jpg)
The programme involves three Studio Projects that last one semester each. These projects allow candidates to follow their own ideas and interests whilst working on a particular theme chosen by the lab.
Workshops
Workshops are organised at different points during the programme to challenge candidates to deep-dive into a subject in a condensed time period. These often involve invited guests or take place at partner institutions abroad.
Advanced academic courses
- Introduction to Academic Tools
- Innovation: From Disruption to Acceptance
- Design Methods: Interviews and Observations
- Digital Humanities
- Project Management
- User Research Methods: Ergonomics Evaluation Methods
- User Research Methods: Prototyping
- Project Valorization
- Design Research Project Funding
Combining advanced education with a real-life research project, this postgraduate programme prepares designers professionally and academically for a career in innovation. With skills in design research methods, innovation and project management, our graduates work in various fields, from creative and design studios to cultural institutions and innovative companies, or have launched their own practice.