Companies, agencies, freelancers, and young talents have until November 17 to submit their work for the UX Design Awards – Spring 2027. You can find all the details about this global competition for outstanding experience design on the UX Design Awards website.

One eagle, countless associations - and a remarkable design story. IDZ board member Rayan Abdullah takes us behind the scenes of the redesign of the German Federal Eagle and explores what it means to rethink one of Germany’s most recognisable symbols.

What makes an eagle a symbol of state power? And how much design freedom lies within one of the country’s most iconic emblems?

In the lecture "Animals in Power - The Federal Eagle", designer, typographer, and IDZ board member Rayan Abdullah traces the history, symbolism, and visual evolution of the German Federal Eagle.

From its origins as a symbol of divine authority and rulership to its associations with strength, justice, and national identity, the eagle has taken many forms over the centuries. The lecture explores heraldic traditions, changing visual styles, and the challenge of translating a historic emblem into a contemporary graphic mark.

Drawing on his own experience redesigning the Federal Eagle for the visual identity of the German Federal Government, Abdulla offers rare insights into the design process. Through concrete examples, he demonstrates how proportions, form, feather structure, and expression shape the perception of a symbol, and why functionality, recognisability, and a distinctive visual language are essential.

A lecture about the power of visual symbols, the responsibility of design, and the balance between tradition and contemporary relevance.

For everyone who wants to do more than see design - for everyone who wants to understand it.

How did an experimental prototype developed in Berlin become one of the most versatile modular systems for furniture, architecture, and spatial design?

The IDZ warmly invites you to the presentation of Jürg Steiner’s new book on the history and development of System 180®. The publication traces the remarkable journey of the system, from its beginnings in the workshops of the Martin-Gropius-Bau to its evolution into an internationally used construction system.

During the event, the author will share personal insights into the creation, development, and professionalization of System 180®, highlighting the people, ideas, and innovations that shaped its success.

Following the presentation, guests are warmly invited to enjoy refreshments and connect with fellow participants.