3. TU Austria Summer School Doc+ 2020

In the third round of the TU Austria Summer School Doc+ cooperation project, the event took place in the last week of September 2020 at the Montanuniversität Leoben. The event was organized by the Chair of Industrial Logistics and the Chair of Energy Network Technology at the University of Leoben.
 

Under the motto “Design for Transformation”, 16 committed doctoral students from the three TU Austria universities (TU Vienna, TU Graz, Montanuniversität Leoben) completed an interactive and intensive program in English. The aim was to get to know design concepts and methods, as well as to sharpen the focus on diverse transformation processes.
 

Focus: Engineering Design
 

Current transformation processes can be observed in various areas. The five-day Summer School Doc+ focused on what transformation means for modern industries, what challenges lie ahead and how we can systematically address them. In exciting keynote speeches by representatives from a wide range of industries (vehicle construction, tunnel construction, logistics, energy systems, waste management), current developments were highlighted and design issues raised.
These and other issues were then explored in greater depth in workshops and creative solutions were developed. One day was dedicated to the methodology of Axiomatic Design and one to Design Thinking.
 

Exchange of information and experience
 

In addition to intensive workshop days and exciting keynote speeches, there was also plenty of opportunity to exchange ideas. Despite Covid-19-related restrictions and requirements, there was the opportunity to exchange ideas and get to know each other during joint activities. For example, a joint culinary highlight was organized at the Port 361 restaurant and an excursion to the “Zentrum am Berg” research infrastructure at the Styrian Erzberg.
 

Thinking outside the box
 

After this exciting and intensive week, 16 very satisfied participants were able to receive their certificates. The group with the most innovative design concept was also presented with a “Best Project Award”. In a small feedback session, the participants confirmed the usefulness of the content they had learned and the added value for their future careers. The positive impressions of this week speak for a continuation of the TU Austria Summer School Doc+.