The Assignment Topic

The topic of the 2026 assignment is “Tension”

Please find the information regarding processing and submission here on this website. Since a self-dependent approach is expected for the preparation of the assignment, we kindly ask you to refrain from further inquiries.

Entry deadline: April 30, 2026 (up to 11:59 pm CET summertime for online submissions)

Physical submissions will only be accepted at the KISD reception desk until 6:00 p.m. After that time, no physical submissions will be accepted for organizational reasons.

Applicants may work out and submit their assignments in almost any form, i.e. as a two- or three-dimensional model, a text, an animation, a video etc. You can find all relevant technical lines below.

Please note, that organic materials (such as fungi and bacteria) and live animals, weapons, highly flammable substances, and hazardous chemicals may not be physically brought in or used for presentations on KISD premises!

Yes. In addition to your assignment, please write a statement of approx. 1,200 – 1,600 characters (including spaces) explaining your approach and thoughts with regard to the task and your work. Please note that it is absolutely necessary to enclose the declaration of authorship signed by you.

The assignment must be submitted in digital form. If you have opted for a two- or three-dimensional project, you may also submit your assignment in physical form. Please note the following information.

Digital submission of the assignment (mandatory)

The assignment must be submitted in digital form. Please make sure that your uploaded files are not too large. You can reduce the size of PDFs with several online tools. The following file formats are accepted:

• Text as a PDF
• Film and Animation as link to a video portal (vimeo, Youtube, …)
• Two-dimensional work as a file (PDF) or as (compressed)
  image/photo file(s) (JPG, PNG, …)
• Three-dimensional work by filming (see films) or photographing (see two-dimensional work) of all relevant details.

Important: You are responsible for ensuring that we can open your files – don’t use exotic file formats or codecs! You can find more relevant technical lines below.

Physical submission of the assignment (optional)

Two- or three-dimensional objects can be submitted to KISD in physical form at certain times in addition to digital submission. Please note the submission deadlines.

In addition to your work we need a one-sided abstract which represents your main thoughts in a structured form. Please have in mind that it is nearly impossible to read very long texts.

Movies

Maximum length: 5 minutes -we do not have time to watch more. Please make sure we can watch your work without problems. Do not use unusual codecs, we cannot install additional codecs (even if enclosed). In addition you have to submit a one page storyboard with content description and some screenshots enabling the commission to talk about your work without any device after screening.

Data/Animations/Interactive works

Please make sure we can watch your work without problems. Do not use unusual programs or plug-ins, we cannot install additional software (even if enclosed).

Additionally, you have to submit a one page description and some screenshots, enabling the commission to talk about your work without any device after screening.

Please have in mind, that the risk is yours, if your submission cannot be reviewed by the commission.