VISUAL IDENTITY
In the “Tabletop & Textile” project, the focus was on developing a visual identity that reflects the transdisciplinary collaboration between the Textile and Product Design departments. Ten students from the Communication Design department worked on the design of a holistic visual identity that makes the synergies between the two departments visible, starting by developing various concepts in small groups and working them out in detail within two weeks.
After the drafts were presented to the course, one concept was selected and further developed into a final visual identity in a joint effort.
The idea of combining the expertise of two departments is reflected in the design approach: a clear, simple visual language directs the focus to the work created, while a bold and dynamic design conveys the fresh perspectives. A central element of the visual identity is the typographic implementation.
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The opposing typefaces symbolize the two specialist areas, whose contrasts combine to create a harmonious overall image. The deliberate use of slanted typefaces illustrates the mutual enrichment and creative exchange between the disciplines.
The color choice fell on a monochrome appearance in blue, which is historically anchored in both the textile and ceramic sectors. Blue brings calm to the design, connects the two disciplines and gives the look a strong, timeless aura.
“Tabletop & Textile” shows how the combination of different disciplines, knowledge and skills can give rise to new ideas that would be inconceivable without the mutual influence. This interplay forms the basis for our design and reflects the central theme of the project: rethinking table culture.
Applications
In parallel with the development of the visual appearance, the implementation of various applications for the presentation at the trade fair and accompanying media was prepared.
The close cooperation of the students and their consistent coordination resulted in a holistic appearance that not only conveys the content of the project, but also impressively stands out during the presentation at the Ambiente trade fair. In order to organize the project work efficiently, weekly meetings enable a transparent exchange of information on progress and mutual support.
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Various print products were designed for the trade fair appearance to support the presentation.

A compact, bilingual information flyer draws attention to the project and is available in the trade fair press center.
A comprehensive 48-page brochure presenting the individual results of the student teams, as well as thematically complementary bachelor theses, will be distributed at the trade fair stand itself.
A 12-page leporello was designed for the “Radiant Serving” project, the design of which fits in with the overall Tabletop & Textile concept.
The invitations to the trade fair were sent by post and email. Here we took up the symbiosis of the project for visualization: a card was designed that was sent in a light cotton fabric printed with a monogram.
A fabric bag with a printed logo and slogan was designed as a giveaway for trade fair visitors.
In addition to analog media, the design of digital formats played an important role. For example, an Instagram channel was used throughout the process to reach a broad audience and convey the content of the project through storytelling and visual contributions. The “Table Talks” interview format, in which the students talked about their ideas, challenges and results in short videos, made it possible to experience the students’ work in person. We designed an image campaign that was placed on roadside screens and public video city boards shortly before the start of the trade fair.
The website designkrefeld.de/tabletopandtextile was conceived and designed as a long-term documentation and information platform for this collaborative project.



The transdisciplinary collaboration is also reflected in the construction of the exhibition stand. While the exhibition furniture – including a large table with tables and benches – was manufactured in the wood workshop of the design department, the communication design team developed a concept that transfers the visual identity of the project into the three-dimensional space.
Large-scale typography and clear color contrasts create a striking long-distance effect. Information posters, which rotate slightly on their own axis, were placed above the scenographic presentation of the products.

This combination of analog, digital and spatialformats created a coherent overall image that impressively represents the project.