Logo: Inseok Hwang, Sea Anemone Tree: Team Phainō
Project Overview:
Fall 2025/26
Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
in cooperation with PAFF Oyuncak ve Kimya San. Tic. ltd. Şti.
Advisors Concept & Prototyping:
Prof. Henrik Rieß, Felix Müller, M.A.
Advisors Graphic Design:
Anc Ciechanowicz, M.A., Illia Boyko, B.A.
Categories:
Playful Communication Design, Graphic Design, Game Design and Interaction Design, Packaging Design, Social Design, Critical Design
Project Overview:
Fall 2023/24, Fall 2024/25
Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
Categories:
Communication Design, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Social Design, Critical Design, Spatial Design Practice
'Let the Play begin' explores toys as a medium of communication. This semester's research examined how deeply communication can be embedded in play, with a particular focus on how Gen Z designers are rethinking childhood experiences for future generations.
Rather than following a linear development process, third-semester design students embraced continuous experimental prototyping with critical reflection. Through hands-on "making" students engaged with new design challenges, working in teams of 3-5 to research new contexts and means of play while developing strategies and resilience for tackling unfamiliar territories by:
- re-branding and addressing new target groups
- re-setting contextual environments
- re-scaling toy dimensions
- re-purposing game principles for new audiences
- re-defining interactions through new obstacles
- re-defining media and material properties
See all ‘Let the play begin’ Projects
Through intensive exploration of media and materials, the students demonstrated that classical graphic design techniques (poster printing, linocut typography, blind embossing, pop-up book editorial), new media approaches (physical computing, projection mapping), and physical production methods (3D printing, vacuum forming, felt embroidery, silicone casting, viscosity experiments) are not contradictory in their use for designers, but rather coexist on an equal footing when selected appropriately.
The collaboration was conducted with Play-Toys, an international toy manufacturer with 25 years' commitment to educational play. The resulting prototypes will be exhibited on campus from May 28–31 as part of Berlin Design Week 2026.
'Let the Play begin' was conceived and supervised by Prof. Henrik Rieß, Anc Ciechanowicz, M.A., Felix Müller, M.A., and Illia Boyko, B.A. with third-semester B.A. Graphic Design and Visual Communication students.
Contact:
Prof. Henrik Rieß
Interaction Design and Visual Communication
Berlin International
University of Applied Sciences
Salzufer 6, 10587 Berlin, Germany
Tel: +49 30 81 05 80 80
E-Mail: riess[🎈]berlin-international.de
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