Joining MetaDesign after studies at HMKW

Tabea Otto, graduate of the HMKW M.A. Communication Design and Creative Studies program, has started her position as a designer at MetaDesign.

HMKW University has interviewed Tabea on her major learnings during her studies and how they led her to MetaDesign.

HMKW: You graduated from HMKW a few weeks ago and are now working as a designer at MetaDesign. Congratulations on your new position. How do you like it so far and what project are you currently working on?

Tabea Otto: Thank you very much for the congratulations! I'm very happy to be working as a designer at a renowned agency like MetaDesign after graduating from university. I received a remarkably warm welcome there and appreciate working with talented designers in a very professional working atmosphere. I'm currently working on a branding project for a large technology company, where I'm helping to design the visual identity and brand communication and create guidelines.

Tabea has built her master thesis around the topic of weather communication.

Tabea Otto: As part of my research, I have been studying human perception and phenomenology and experimenting with prototypes to make weather communication more accessible and relevant to users.

HMKW: What did you like best about your studies/the study program in general? And what was the biggest challenge during your studies?

Tabea Otto: In the course of my studies, I learned that design is a broad field that also offers room for scientific research. Design is not only an aesthetic process but also a strategic and conceptual approach to problem-solving. I saw it as a personal challenge to contribute and demonstrate, that scientific research can also bring new insights into the design field. I am excited by the opportunities that arise from merging research and design.

The MetaDesign services include conducting research, analyzing market trends, and understanding user needs to develop effective design solutions. The design industry is constantly evolving and therefore keeping up with theoretical and practical changes is of great importance. The development of creative solutions combined with strategic method thinking is at the core of our work.

HMKW: How do you get inspired? And what inspires you the most?

Tabea Otto: I draw inspiration from everything; from projects and works by creative people, new technologies, and even everyday things like the weather. It's especially important to me to question and understand why something is designed in a certain way. Through this critical reflection, I gain new perspectives and develop ideas.

HMKW: What are your plans for the future?

Tabea Otto: In the future, I would like to acquire more practical experience in the design industry, and in the long run, I aim to do a Ph.D in design.

MetaDesign is excited to have you on board, Tabea, and hopes to bring you one step closer to reaching your goals!