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

This course teaches students how to design and evaluate transparent, trustworthy AI systems by applying interpretable machine learning methods and modern explainability techniques. Through hands-on exercises and real-world case studies, they will learn to generate clear, meaningful explanations of model behavior and understand the strengths and limitations of different XAI approaches.

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, research methodology, and philosophy. She has taught at the Free University of Berlin and the University of Chicago. Since 2008, she has led the Neurodesign Group at the Hasso-Plattner-Institut, researching the biological underpinnings of creativity and innovation. Julia emphasizes ethical dimensions in innovation, advocating for life-centered and planet-centered design, and contributes to the M.I.T.-HPI Designing for Sustainability Program.