The foundation year of the Design programme teaches the core creative, methodological and technical principles for further study. The focus is on design projects in which knowledge of form, function, materials and context is developed and applied in clearly structured design processes.

This includes techniques of representation and visualisation, the use of analogue and digital tools, and knowledge of model making and presentation. Alongside the projects, craft skills are taught in the 13 study workshops at the Kunsthochschule Kassel; the work there is characterised by the use of a wide variety of techniques and materials, experimental research on and with materials, and the realisation of students' own designs.

In addition, theoretical perspectives are introduced that help to justify design decisions and place design in historical, social, cultural and ecological contexts. This creates a solid foundation for further study and the development of an independent design approach.