Manuel Krusy

When I completed my bachelor's degree in the design department at FH Dortmund, I was eager to apply my design skills in a meaningful way. The opportunity presented itself when I stumbled upon a job offer from the Akademie Deutsche POP, seeking a lecturer for Interactive Media Design. The idea of teaching and guiding young, aspiring students always held a special appeal for me, and I knew I had found my calling. Here's a glimpse into my journey as a game design lecturer:

My journey as a lecturer at the Akademie Deutsche POP began with a desire to share my design knowledge and expertise with the next generation of creative minds. Teaching seemed like the perfect platform to achieve this. I embraced the opportunity to impart my skills and inspire students in the field of Interactive Media Design.

The curriculum I designed for my course covered a wide spectrum of topics essential for game design. From storytelling and character design to the intricacies of game design and the historical evolution of video games, I aimed to provide a holistic education. To challenge my students in these various facets, I introduced an overarching task: creating a comprehensive game design document for an original game idea. This task would evolve and expand with each unit, becoming their homework and a canvas for their creativity.

The exchange of ideas and feedback is pivotal in any creative field. To foster collaboration and enhance learning, I encouraged my students to present their homework—sections of their game design document—to their peers. This platform allowed them to receive valuable feedback, refine their ideas, and exchange insights, ultimately enriching their learning experience.

I conducted workshops designed to offer prospective students insights into the study offerings at the Akademie Deutsche POP. In the storytelling workshop, I guided participants through the evolution of storytelling, from the earliest narratives to modern storytelling in movies and games, highlighting common threads and shared elements. In the logo design workshop, I introduced the fundamentals of creating logos, drawing parallels between color schemes and iconic brand logos.

One teaching method I favored was allowing students to apply their newly acquired skills directly to their game design document. This not only reinforced their understanding but also provided them with a tangible portfolio piece to showcase their abilities to potential employers in the gaming industry.

I offered students the flexibility to work on their game design document either individually or as part of a team. However, I emphasized that team projects needed to be more comprehensive and detailed than individual ones. This approach encouraged both collaboration and personal accountability.

Teaching at the Akademie Deutsche POP not only allowed me to share my knowledge but also brought me in contact with a community of creative minds. Some of my former students remain in touch, and I've even had the pleasure of offering job opportunities to a few of them for various projects.

One of the key pieces of advice I shared with my students was the importance of networking in the industry. Building connections and fostering relationships with peers and professionals is often the gateway to securing positions in the competitive field of game design.

In closing, my journey as a lecturer at Akademie Deutsche POP has been a fulfilling experience, characterized by the joy of nurturing creativity and imparting essential game design skills to budding talents. It is a role that has allowed me to contribute to the growth and development of future game designers and interactive media professionals.