Twelve industrial design students from Munich University of Applied Sciences recently traded their university workshops and computer labs for hands-on experience at a real business, spending two days at packaging designer Susanne Weege's company in Hameln, Germany. The visit provided students with practical insight into how design theory translates into entrepreneurial practice.
During their stay at the company located on Feuergraben 25, the students learned practical skills including how to emboss lettering, laminate surfaces by covering panels with paper, and mill boxes for jewelry packaging. They also gained valuable knowledge about sophisticated distribution structures and business operations that they rarely encounter in academic settings.
Industrial design student Marlene, 21, found the direct insight particularly valuable, noting that she learned significantly about operational processes. "This could generally be done as a workshop," she suggested, highlighting the educational value of the experience.
The company specializes in creating distinctive containers, primarily for jewelry, producing packages made from mulberry paper and stacking elegantly simple wooden boxes in various colors. These products have gained such popularity that they are even requested by film sets and appear in marriage scenes on television, demonstrating the real-world application and commercial success of thoughtful design.
The production facility itself reflects the designer's high standards and creative vision. The former paper goods factory, which represents a beautiful coincidence given the current business, has been transformed into an elegant glass-walled space that breathes creativity while maintaining a craftsman-like, grounded atmosphere.
Characteristic of Pica's products is entrepreneur Susanne Weege's passion for hand-made papers, original forms, and creative use of colors. In 2015, the 57-year-old designer made the strategic decision to produce locally rather than in China. Since then, sustainability has gained prominence alongside quality as core company values.
Pica Design was founded over 30 years ago by Hameln-based graduate designer Susanne Weege and now employs around 20 people. Many of her more than 200 designs have been awarded prizes and distinctions over the years. The company expanded both spatially and in terms of personnel over time. In 2015, she made the decision to produce on two floors in part of the old Full paper factory at Feuergraben, which was renovated. Thus, one successful paper story followed another that had ended. The second floor also houses the Manu jewelry workshop, run by her husband Johannes Weege. Traditionally, Pica also works with social institutions.
Professor Peter Naumann from Munich University of Applied Sciences explained that this type of cooperation fits perfectly with their philosophy. The 64-year-old graduate designer, who studied industrial and product design as well as vehicle design at the renowned Royal College of Art in London, emphasized the importance of practical education. "Feedback from companies and the economy is important for us so that we don't design unrealistic things," Naumann explained.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of not letting students become overly constrained too early in their creative process. "They should think freely, crazily, simply out of the box - that makes the dialogue exciting for the company," he noted. This balance between creative freedom and practical constraints creates valuable learning opportunities for both students and businesses.
Eventually, the designs that students create later at Munich University of Applied Sciences will return to Hameln as prototypes, allowing Susanne Weege to decide what fits with Pica's brand identity while remaining affordable and commercially viable.
Naumann reflected on changes in design education, noting that students previously had more time for studying. "Today everything is highly professional. Above all, digitization with its faster results contributes to this," he observed, highlighting how technology has accelerated both the design process and educational expectations.
He praised Pica as particularly interesting because the company still works both elaborately and economically. "Finding this type of company is not so easy," Naumann said. "We also feel very welcome at Pica." He contrasted this positive relationship with their experience declining a collaboration with a major food corporation, demonstrating their selective approach to partnerships.
Susanne Weege emphasized the effort her team put into making the students feel comfortable during their visit. Together with Marion Komarek, with whom she shares company management, she prepared the visit to ensure that students from different semesters gained realistic insight into Pica's design world.
The connection with Pica was established through industrial design student Paul at the Munich jewelry trade fair Inhorgenta, where he helped at Pica's exhibition stand. This organic networking demonstrates how professional relationships develop naturally through industry engagement and student participation in trade events.
Professor Naumann particularly praised the company's focus on employee well-being, noting that this emphasis is not universal in the business world. "It takes a lot of commitment to bring a company to such a level and be economically successful at the same time," the professor observed. "We depend on this kind of entrepreneurial spirit" for providing meaningful educational experiences that bridge the gap between academic theory and commercial reality.
