franziska ritz.

Lächelnde Frau mit braunen Haaren, trägt eine schwarz-weiß gemusterte Bluse, steht vor grauem Hintergrund.

I am a CMF design expert, creative strategist and design researcher specializing in concept development, material innovation, and design strategy. I enhance product aesthetics and strengthens brand identity, particularly in the automotive sector, where my work for major brands focuses on sustainability strategies and the creation of distinctive sensory identities. With in-depth knowledge of production processes and innovation management, she challenges contemporary manufacturing to transition toward truly sustainable, circular models. In my teaching, I inspire emerging designers to view design as a transformative discipline – one capable of rebooting systems and driving meaningful change.

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expertise.

  • strategy.

    Every successful product is based on a meaningful and strong foundation. I support you in developing independent material concepts and color systems, all the way to choosing the right technologies and suppliers.

  • circularity.

    Raw materials, processes, and technologies are the key to a functioning circular economy. I identify potential within your company and support your R&D in sustainable development.

  • forecasting.

    Trends are the fuel for contemporary color and material design. I create customized trend reports based on your needs and future plans.

  • concepts.

    Innovative CMF design concepts appeal to all the senses of your customers and reinforce your product vision. I develop unique concepts and ensure that they can be manufactured in series.

  • training.

    Is CMF design new territory for you? Do you want to change or improve your process? I advise and train your team in suitable methods and tools, and support the implementation of new processes.

  • teaching.

    Supporting students on their path to become skilled professionals is my motivation for hosting courses, lectures and workshops at design schools and universities.

Impact by design. Impact by material.

Impact by design. Impact by material.

experience.

  • freelance design consultant.

    since 02|2024

  • project manager research.

    since 03|2024

    Faculty of Design | University of Coburg

  • lecturer & speaker.

    since 10|2018

    universities & conferences | worldwide

  • head of CMF design.

    02|2022 - 01|2024

    firefly | NIO Design studio Munich, Germany

  • CMF design manager.

    10|2018 - 01|2022

    NIO Design studio Munich, Germany

  • senior CMF designer.

    12|2016 - 09|2018

    NIO Design studio Munich, Germany

  • designer color & trim

    09|2009 - 09|2012

    BMW i | BMW Group Design Munich, Germany

  • intern & bachelor thesis.

    03|2008 - 09|2009

    MINI | BMW Group Design
    Munich, Germany

education.

  • master of science.

    2012 - 2014

    HDK | University of Gothenburg, Sweden & Tongji University Shanghai, China

    Jan Wilsgaard Scholarship & Adlabertska Scholarship

  • bachelor of arts.

    2006-2009

    Transportation Interior Design
    Reutlingen University, Germany

    graduated with honors

  • craft studies.

    2005-2006

    Werkbund Werkstatt Nuremberg, Germany