Peter Friedrich Stephan

Prof. Peter Friedrich Stephan is a full Professor of Transformation Design at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne (KHM). His work focuses on digital and social transformation, leveraging design methodologies to address stakeholder concerns and artifacts. He co-founded the Computational Design program in 1994 and has held roles at institutions like the University of the Arts Berlin and St. Gallen. His research explores cognitive and emotional aspects of transformation, with projects funded by agencies such as BMBF and acatech.

• Education: Design, Business Communication, and Music (Berlin & New York)
• Key Roles:
  • Professor at KHM since 1997
  • Guest Lecturer at University of the Arts Berlin (2002–2013)
  • Consultant for Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, FWF, and DEGinvest

Research Interests:

Stephan’s work bridges design theory and practice, emphasizing tools like the Concern Canvas and Hypercycle of Transformation. He explores how design can mediate between societal concerns and technological systems, informed by Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and Bruno Latour’s philosophy. His 2024 monograph Designing Concerns synthesizes these ideas, while earlier works like Knowledge Media Design (2005) and Events and E-Commerce (2000) address digital and commercial ecosystems.

Publications & Awards:

Over 50 articles, two edited books, and notable awards include the Cologne Design Award (2013) and CD-ROM of the Year (1999). Key projects include Intelligent Objects (2008–2009) and Medienquadrat (2002–2004). His work spans academic, artistic, and industrial collaborations.

Labs & Teams: Active in KHM’s exMedia Lab, focusing on experimental design and digital transformation.