Thilo von Debschitz

Thilo von Debschitz studied communication design at the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences in Germany. After positions as an art director in various companies, he founded the Q design agency in Wiesbaden in 1997 together with Laurenz Nielbock. The agency has since won numerous international awards. In addition to his agency work, Thilo von Debschitz writes books with a focus on the visual arts. He attracted great attention with his rediscovery of the infographics pioneer Fritz Kahn and the publication of the monograph dedicated to him. Thilo von Debschitz has taught at the RheinMain University of Applied Sciences and at the IMK, the Institute of Marketing and Communication in Wiesbaden. Today, he is also a regular guest speaker at conferences on the topic of design.

Red Dot: What makes print media persuasive in your opinion?
Thilo von Debschitz: Our communications are dominated by digital media that are generally designed for speed. We all benefit from that, of course. Print media as a rule steer clear of this transience. Those who make the most of this medium’s strengths – through a successful mix of content, design and materiality – will generate long-lasting awareness.

In view of the current situation, what is your assessment of this year’s online jury process?
It was brilliant to see how quickly the Red Dot Team set up a digital solution for this year’s competition. However, in our category, touching and feeling the entries is especially important. Paper, finishes, binding all cry out for haptic perception. That made the qualitative evaluation based on photos challenging. My exchange with other jury members was therefore particularly intense.