TIMELINE
For me, this was one of the most extensive and intensive projects I have undertaken independently to date. In my Master’s thesis—which focused on the themes of Zeitgeist, consumer culture, and design—I engaged deeply and interdisciplinarily with the subject matter across various levels. Guided by my own design philosophy, I developed the foundational framework for a values-oriented design studio—one that not only fulfills my interdisciplinary aspirations but also seamlessly integrates my diverse skills as a designer.
Consequently, this project was not merely a labor of love; it also stands as the most compelling embodiment to date of my creative ethos and my perspective on aesthetics, design, and society. Furthermore, it reflects upon the cultural and societal impact we, as designers, project into the world—and how, through creative vision, we can positively shape and transform both our future and our collective mindsets.
On a meta-level, these various threads converged into a comprehensive process of reflection and research, culminating in an accompanying essay. Drawing upon the insights gained—as well as the creative and societal stance that emerged from them—I designed an artifact (an armchair). I crafted this piece in the workshops at the MSD, conceiving it as a counterpoint to the prevailing Zeitgeist and the dominant consumer culture of our time. Fundamentally, this artifact should not be viewed as an isolated product or a mere piece of furniture design; rather, it serves as the visionary embodiment of a new design philosophy—one driven by a commitment to guiding consumers toward making more conscious and deliberate choices.
Productdesign, Critical Design, Future-driven Design, Designtheory & Brand Design
College: Muenster school of Design
Examiner:
Prof. Alexander Sander
Prof. Dr. Lars C. Grabbe
Prototyp production:
Shay Pieper
Lars Brüggeman
Christian Rickfelder
Christian Nachtigeller
Year: 2025/2026
During the course of the project, in addition to completing the artifact, I wrote an essay on the subject, developed a brand identity, and documented and described the entire process in a documentary.
The essay is available for purchase in A6 format (115 pages) upon request.
The production of the Lounge-chair was made possible with the support of the workshop supervisors at the Münster School of Design.
A 1:1 prototype was created, which I am currently further developing in order to manufacture it with a local partner.
The design studio website for Timeline is currently under construction.
Shay Pieper
Art & Design
Studio: Timeline Design
www.timeline-design.space
Art: LIPZ only
www.lipzonly.de
© All rights reserved by Shay Pieper 2026