How was the PHOENIX X HdM partnership Initiated?

Caro studied"Information Design" at HdM; she realised some aspects were lacking in the program. In 2017, she developed a holistic project in which she would connect isolated key disciplines from the study program within one course. Students would have to design a solution in the service design area and therefore work through the design process as a whole within one semester in fast-forward mode. Infodesigners are great thinkers and strong in concept work. It is striking that the works often do not get beyond the concept phase and therefore do not unfold their full appeal and are sometimes difficult to communicate. That is why the course ends with a pitch to improve their storytelling and presentation skills and start building a valuable portfolio with tangible results.

"What I found lacking during my education was the bridge between academic theory and practical challenges. At MediaUniversity, students gain a comprehensive foundational understanding of methodologies, that enables informed decision-making. However, it’s essential to practice adapting processes creatively and professionally to meet time and budget constraints while still achieving valid results. Sharing our real world experiences and challenges we overcome, helps students understand that while a full-blown academic approach isn't always feasible, a solid foundation allows for flexible, high-quality outcomes." Caro

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The partnership with HdM:

Our role in nurturingthe next generation of designers is a responsibility we take seriously, and it's a privilege to see our students' potential unfold.

This year's theme was"Empowering Co-Living Communities",

The starting point of the briefing was the fact that the meaning of living together is changing increasingly in today's world: Families are less and less locally linked, and connections are less intense as a support system compared to earlier times. Neighbourhoods are becoming the most relevant living model and many things are shared there. Social interaction in hyper-individualism, private living space is declining, and everyday tasks are being outsourced and shared - the third place is becoming the centre of togetherness. However, we also see the socially weaker being displaced and young generations leaving smaller cities.

What if we promote diversity in neighbourhoods and harmonised coexistence? How might we create a service that encourages people to create something together and contribute to an increased sense of well-being and a diverse community?

The results were beyond our expectations.

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Service design -The final  

The first Group introduced the app Clean Clique.

With the primary goal of making Cleaning a shared space more manageable and efficient, they created a system with an AI assistant where the user can add their space, the material necessary to clean the area, analarm, a calendar, and a feedback area that suggests the user always be friendly and avoid mean words to make the living situation more pleasant and not cause discord among the people sharing the specific space, also, witth connection to playlists, social media sharing and merch.

"They created something with great partnerships and brand escalation potential. Also, it appeals to the user with the possibility of going viral on social media with challenges, etc. I am impressed" - Barbara Silva - Communication Manager.

The second group designed an app to connect older people with young people through the GreenBonds app, Creating a community garden and/or helping both groups connect. The elderly come with minds and experience, while the young have energy and willpower. With one interface they managed the balancing act to be attractive for two such different user groups. The group presented the app with a captivating and clear video for the audience.

The challenge

Both groups presented their projects to our PHOENIX team. This was not an easy task. Our designers asked both groups exciting and complex questions. But they were prepared for the challenge and rose above.

David Weiskopf, Senior design strategist, said: "Observing young designers' ideas, thought processes, and approaches is always refreshing - Seeing how they confidently defend their work in response to critical questions is particularly exciting."

Our three teachers are proud of their students, and after 5 months of working together, it is time to end this semester's classes with heads high, waiting for the next chapter.

"It was very inspiring for me to watch the young talents in their presentations. Especially when the project topics are so different and yet connected under the overarching theme of "wellbeing". Digital solutions for urban gardening, which are intended to bring different generations together, or the other topic in which often underestimated cleaning rituals or, to put it another German way, "Wer räumt den Scheiß auf?" topics were solved smartly, especially in the context of shared flats, shows that sometimes even small optimisations can bring big improvements. These changes of perspective and social topics make our Phoenix Academy valuable and enrich us daily."Sven Feustel.

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Conclusion

According to Caro, teaching at Media University is a profound learning experience for her as a professional. It goes beyond outlining perfect paths—it's about coaching, accompanying, and growing with the students. This journey is a leadership training, grounding her in foundational knowledge that benefits her interactions with clients and colleagues. The focus on human-centered design, deep qualitative research, and continuous questioning help understand real needs and create meaningful solutions.

“By being humble and approachable, we foster an environment where students can thrive, and in return, refine our own hypotheses and methodologies. This collaborative process not only enhances our students' skills but also enriches our own practice as researchers and designers