Degree programme Master Textile Products
Field of study Design

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Textile Products | Design

In the design field of study, the close linking of creativity with technological procedures and management processes is taught in depth and optimally prepares the students for the requirements of a global textile and apparel industry. In order for a product to be convincing on the market today, multi-layered, interdisciplinary knowledge must be applied during development in addition to convincing aesthetics. Especially in the field of fashion and textiles, sustainable factors and recyclability are playing an increasingly important role. From the responsible selection of raw materials and materials, to material-saving, recyclable production options and fair production conditions - creative processes are practically applied while integrating intercultural design aspects as well as design-specific management and production requirements. From virtual collection design of both textile surfaces and textile products to digital store design, modern CAD applications are an integral part of the field of teaching. The classical application areas of a textile and fashion designer are deepened, and the design and developments of sustainable products and concepts in the context of nature, the environment and social challenges are brought into focus. In project-based work, real practical fields in textile and fashion design are worked on in close cooperation with industry.

Curriculum

Module Manuals

Fact Sheets

Subjects of study (excerpt) and further information

Master Design
Subjects of study (excerpt)
  • Open Design Space
  • Intercultural Design
  • Design Management
  • Creative Processing
  • Innovative Product Design
  • Cultural imagery
More information

Standard time to degree: 3 semesters

Start: summer or winter semester

Application procedure: Master's degree programme open to admissions (however, please note the admission requirement).

Admission requirement:

  • Proof of a first university degree qualifying for a profession in a Degree programme which is also relevant with regard to the chosen field of study and which comprises at least 210 ECTS credits or seven standard full-time semesters.
  • Information on the admission procedure can be found here: Master's application

Teaching language: German

Degree: Master of Sciences (M.Sc.)

Accreditation: The consecutive Degree programme was accredited by the Accreditation Agency for Degree Programmes in Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences and Mathematics (ASIIN) in 2004. In 2010 and 2017 the re-accreditations took place without any conditions.

Master's application

Creative Processing

The focus here is on the development of a creative design strategy for a thematically related collection development, as well as its implementation and transfer into textile designs through to the realization of material surfaces and prototypes. Knitting technology is used as an interface between textile design, fashion design and product development for the development of a holistic model and collection development. The entire value chain is considered and taken into account. Ecodesign principles such as zero-waste processes, circular product life cycles, multifunctional use and recyclability are incorporated into the collection framework planning and the design of textile surfaces and products.

CP 1
CP2
CP3
CP4
CP5
CP6
CP7
IP1
IP2
IP3
IP6
IP5
IP6
IP7

Innovative product design

The testing of new ways of thinking and seeing, through the research and development of materials in the context of sustainability and recyclability, new trend developments, target group needs and production and processing techniques, are transferred into the requirement profiles of future-oriented products. Methods for developing innovations, innovative strategies and for overcoming "functional fixation" will be presented and tested. The goal: The development of own product concepts, documentation of the development process, examination of materials and design techniques for the development of own prototypes and models. Interdisciplinary networking of different technologies, strategies and processes lead to the optimization or new conception of products and product worlds. Design for Sustainability now plays a central role in this.

Virtual product worlds

The compilation and realization of an assortment related to the vertical structures of the fashion and lifestyle industry, is now part of the strategic scope of design in leadership positions in the industry. This includes:

  • Coordination of collection development with the sales platform at the POS, taking into account the special requirements of brand management.
  • Differentiated software knowledge in the specializations textile and fashion design in the field of CAD, for the expansion of the artistic creative scope and the development and modification of designs with regard to the creation of virtual product worlds and the visualization and simulation of design variations using special software (e.g. texture mapping and 3D simulations).
  • Different image processing techniques for the collection presentation and experimental development of the collection presentation in the context of a presentation planning for the area in the stationary trade, are required as tools for the intra-seasonal collection and area planning and the control of collection themes, delivery dates etc. in the course of the season.
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Essen Folkwang Museum Excursion

Cultural imagery

The culturally significant image of design and society in sociological, psychological, design-theoretical and -historical as well as in philosophical and anthropological sense, is analyzed and discussed on the basis of current events. We use this exploration of visual languages in comparison to product languages, up to the narrative value of the image in storytelling, not only for new designs that make lasting sense but also to concretize our own design attitude.
How do I make a "picture" of the world? ...and how do we deal with images, metaphors, "icons" and design-significant media when we read them, i.e. interpret them? The fleeting moment of the image on Instagram or in international daily newspapers, such as the New York Times, Le Monde and the FAZ, in the initially European comparative view, serve our discussions alongside specialized media, news from the cultural world and current museum and trade fair happenings. The image in the cultural context and within the "cultural memory" (Jan Assmann) are the focus of the debate.

Intercultural design

Intercultural Design is a subject of the module Design Theory in the Master Textile Products Design. Intercultural Design looks at clothing styles and traditions, building on the subject of textile and costume history in the bachelor's course, and delves into textile ethnological and cultural imprints using examples primarily from Europe (see assignment: intrinsically motivated individual selection for advanced course on a country as a case study for design drafting), in comparison to the handling of textiles in an international context. A country specific handling of trades, with textiles and other materials, with characteristic techniques and a "material behavior" (Michael B. Schiffer) yesterday and today will be researched especially with a view to the SDGs of the UN and in a cross-generational perspective on the basis of studies, excursions, and in self-management, regarding design specific parameters.
Differences in the use of methods of ethnology, ethnography and cultural anthropology will be discussed in context, identifiers developed from this and applied in an elaboration - throughout the semester - in a multi-sensory and multi-media way.

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DM1
Wiebke Hüskes
Water Saver
DM2
Wiebke Hüskes
Water Saver
MvE1
Myriam van Ejik
Borre reimagine tradition
MvE2
Myriam van Ejik
Borre reimagine tradition
MF1
Madita Fischer
Manage color space interaction
MF2
Madita Fischer
Manage color space interaction
MF3
Madita Fischer
Manage color space interaction

Design Management

Design Management is - besides the subject Intercultural Design - the further subject of the module Design Theory in the Master Textile Products Design.
Design Management deepens the view from the bachelor's perspective in a comparative way by using the concept of classical business "management" and corporate understanding yesterday and today for the concept of "design management" in particular. Definitions and tasks in the development to today's design management in particular with an interdisciplinary case study, which you as students develop yourself, are linked to the task in the subject Intercultural Design. Exercises from the lessons - such as Pecha Kucha Report, design thinking and others - will be used in a synaesthetic sustainable design brand strategy or "Sustainable Marketing Campaign" at the end. You may try yourself linguistically in different presentation forms - your stage!
Some keywords are: Design Management - Corporate Culture: CD and Corporate Identity, Corporate Fashion and Branding, DNA of the Brand and Design Strategies in Sustainable Marketing Management and show again the focus on sustainable, ergo resilient design concepts of the future.

Open Design Spaces

Open Design Spaces is offered as an interdisciplinary event with internal and external cooperation partners in a research-oriented way and enables the organization of research and the application, execution and reflection of methods in design research. On the one hand, design projects from real practical fields are offered, and on the other hand, current research topics in fashion/textile design are identified, discussed and formulated with freedom of content. Based on the observation of current events, questions and attitudes regarding future challenges to design are individually developed. Design thinking methods are used to formulate design criteria that can form alternative starting points for the design of future generations. The ideas generated in the subject can be practically implemented and tested as prototypes with the involvement of the technical laboratories of the Faculty of Design.

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Fire
ODS
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The Illusion of Shape

Within the master's thesis "The Illusion of Shape" by M.Sc. Nany Reich an outfit collection was created, which is characterized by its combination of zero waste design with a targeted print design. The cut design and pattern design are inspired by the theme of the "second face", which interprets the transformation of an old "I" into a new "I". In this making-of video, the development of the collection is shown in the simulation software Clo3D.

Hail
Textile Products | Design
Clara Heil

The Degree programme is ideal if you are interested in, for example, 3D technologies, digitalization and innovative product development and would like to expand your knowledge in the field. After having been able to acquire basic knowledge and develop one's own preferences and interests in the bachelor's degree, one now has the unique opportunity in the master's degree to explore further subject areas or to delve into existing topics through the research and advanced course. In addition, one has the opportunity to participate in research and industry projects within the Research Institute for Textile and Clothing (FTB) - an opportunity to gain even more experience and insight.
I can recommend the master's to any person who wants to gain more knowledge before entering the workforce and is looking for ways to specialize.

Jana Lewin
Textile Products | Design
Jana Lewin

After completing my Bachelor's degree in Design Engineering with a specialisation in fashion (HAKA) at the university, I decided to study for a Master's degree in "Textile Products - Design". What I have always liked about HS Niederrhein is the mix of design and technology, which for me personally allows real creativity to emerge.
The Master Textile Products Design in particular is therefore the perfect complement, because we have a very wide range of laboratories at our disposal, with which really almost any design and innovative approaches to solutions can be realized. Topics such as 3D visualization in the field of knitwear, cutting technology and collection concepts in stationary retail are not neglected. In addition, the different specialisations of the other students are a real enrichment, as this creates a very interdisciplinary exchange. The specialisation "Design" in the Master "Textile Products" is a good choice if you want to develop professionally and personally, as here each individual can be dealt with very individually.

Hueskes
Textile Products | Design
Wiebke Hüskes

After completing my Bachelor's degree programme in textile design engineering with a specialisation in textile printing at the Hochschule Niederrhein, it was clear to me that I wanted to do a Master's degree. It was immediately clear to me that I wanted to take advantage of the many opportunities for practical orientation at the Hochschule Niederrhein. In the Master's degree programme in textile products with a specialisation in design, interdisciplinarity is very important. By bringing together students with different backgrounds, the specialisations are very diverse. This interdisciplinary collaboration pulls you out of your personal advanced course and encourages you to open up to new topics. I find these challenges in particular exciting and pave the way for one's own further development. In this area of specialisation, fashion design and textile design meet and combine to create an innovative product design in the field of textiles. This combination offers through the various course offerings to engage with the textile product both in the digital space and haptically. All in all, this creates an exciting environment with new and familiar subject areas in which one can further one's education in research and development and develop one's individual strengths.

Hazal Dagdeviren
Textile Products | Design
Hazal Dagdeviren

The Textile Products Design Degree programme offers the opportunity to deepen and broaden basic knowledge of the textile and apparel industry. The specific approach of technology combined with design and innovation creates innovative textile products that are future-oriented. There is a special focus on sustainability and recyclability. There is the opportunity to participate in research projects and to deal intensively with new raw materials, materials or ideas that could shape the future. Hands-on work in different labs and learning 3D technologies allow to build specific expertise. Overall, the master's is a great opportunity to discover new areas and expand one's range of knowledge.

Scholl
Textile Products | Design
Theresa Scholl

Color & Trim Designer Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

The unique selling point of the studies at the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology is definitely the strong practical orientation. As early as the basic studies, students have the opportunity to implement their own designs in the laboratories and thus gain a better understanding of the entire textile chain. In my current job, it is not only the specific technical knowledge that helps me, but also the ability to deal with different key topics at the same time and to work together in interdisciplinary teams. I can recommend prospective students to get a taste of the different professions in the textile industry through internships before or at the beginning of their studies - there are so many different directions!

Wagner
Textile Products | Design
Elisabeth Wagner

Product Innovation Manager at erlich textil

The Master's degree programme "Textile Products" has prepared me optimally for my professional life. Not only the practical work in the laboratories of the faculty, but also the intensive examination of current research topics from the textile and apparel industry have enabled me to further deepen specialisations relevant to me. Especially the strong focus on sustainability made this interdisciplinary Degree programme particularly attractive for me. This allowed me to further deepen my interest in innovative and sustainable materials and to intensively deal with industry-relevant topics such as the recyclability and recycling of textiles. It is precisely these skills that I have learned that now, after my degree, benefit me in my job. As Product Innovation Manager at erlich textil, a sustainable underwear company based in Cologne, I am responsible for research into recyclable and sustainable material solutions and thus form an interface between the areas of corporate social responsibility and product management. During my master's studies, the desire to work in such a field of activity later on became more and more apparent to me. The master's degree in "Textile Products" helped me to realize this wish.

Lenzing
Lenzing Instruments
Markus Mayr

Managing Director

Intelligent products made of technical textiles are used as problem solvers in a wide variety of areas: Airbags and seat belts in cars provide safety, weight-reducing high-tech fibers in aircraft fuselages protect the environment, reflective clothing and textile implants save lives... As a manufacturer of textile testing equipment, we know about the diversity of technical textiles. Our environment allows us to gain insight into exciting and multifaceted development fields in which textiles are used in novel ways; be it to achieve optimized sustainability or climate neutrality of various products, for increased product safety or to enable medical interventions that were previously unimaginable. Whether in the form of nonwovens, woven fabrics, filament yarns or staple fibers; we at Lenzing Instruments come into contact with a wide variety of textile materials. From our point of view, process and quality control will remain indispensable in the future. In-depth expertise, from the choice of raw materials to the production process and the properties of the end product, forms the basis for providing our customers with the best possible advice. Continuous further development of technical textiles, new technologies and areas of application guarantee a varied field of activity in which you will never stop learning. Be part of it when the textile marvels of the future are created!

HB
HB Protective Wear
Klaus Berthold

Owner

At HB Protective Wear GmbH & Co KG, we have been developing and manufacturing high-quality certified protective clothing since 1952. With our tailor-made solutions for a wide range of hazardous situations, we offer wearers safety they can rely on. For this purpose, we use high-performance materials that are specifically tailored to the various areas of application. We therefore demand excellent standards know-how and a special affinity for technical textiles from our employees.

The apprenticeship at the Hochschule Niederrhein trains students for our industry and produces qualified specialists. The need for protection against hazards will always be needed, which is why we hope for many new students at the Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology.

Hexonia
Hexonia GmbH
Gerd Hexels

Managing Director

Innovative technologies in the textile industry are our passion. Discovering new ideas and possibilities and implementing them has always excited us. Hexonia was founded in 2004 and cooperates with researchers and developers worldwide. We open up new areas of application and develop the final product until it is ready for the market. The state-of-the-art machinery, with a wide range of manufacturing technologies, offers almost limitless possibilities of product manufacturing. We are specialists in the field of official procurement for military and police use and concentrate on this business area. As a medium-sized and growth-oriented company, we attach great importance to the conception of our workforce. Our company's success is significantly influenced by the interaction of our employees, which is why team spirit is especially important to us. We work sustainably and with long-term goals and are always on the lookout for qualified personnel. In this regard, we have been able to recruit graduates from the Hochschule Niederrhein for our company for many years. With a degree from The Hochschule Niederrhein, you can help shape our innovative technologies and drive them forward. We count on you!