Communication Design for Cybersecurity

About This Course

A captivating exploration into the human side of cybersecurity, blending design, psychology, and communication techniques. Discover the full spectrum of communication, extending beyond words to include multi-sensory design and innovative security solutions.

Program Outcomes

Analyse human biases exploited in attack scenarios; participate in role-plays to practise listening and effective outreach; examine communication in case studies of security incidents; and innovate an organisation’s cybersecurity repertoire.

Learning Objectives

• Acquire and demonstrate advanced knowledge of communication and design concepts to significantly enhance cybersecurity.
• Analyse human psychology as exploited in cyberattacks and develop multi-level counter-measures to strengthen organisational resilience.
• Apply design thinking, implication design, and multi-sensory approaches in projects to deliver immediate, practical impact in cybersecurity.

Course Staff

Prof. Dr. Julia von Thienen holds a PhD in psychology with a focus on neuroscience, computer science, and research methodology. At the German UDS, she leads the Chair of Design Thinking Research, developing a scientific understanding of how and why creativity, collaboration, and innovation work – and where they encounter challenges. The field of Neurodesign adds a further emphasis on physiological insights in this context. From 2008-2024, Julia worked at the Hasso Plattner Institute (Digital Engineering Department) at Potsdam University, where she headed the Neurodesign team. She was also closely involved in the Stanford-HPI Design Thinking Research Programme and the MIT-HPI Designing for Sustainability Programme.