How an Elisava project is developed in a real professional context

When discussing bachelor and master design programs, one of the main concerns is understanding to what extent the education is connected to the professional world. It is not just about acquiring knowledge, but about knowing how that knowledge translates into tangible decisions, processes, and results within a real-world setting.

In this context, projects developed in collaboration with companies become a key component. Not as a simulation, but as a space where students work with real-world constraints: business objectives, technical limitations, deadlines, and final impact.

Today, design cannot be understood in isolation from the context in which it is applied. Career opportunities in design are based not only on creative ability, but also on the ability to solve specific problems.

Working on a real-world project involves:

• Understanding a problem from a business perspective
• Defining measurable objectives
• Prioritizing decisions using strategic criteria
• Validating proposals with users or stakeholders

This reflects a reality in the sector: design is no longer an isolated discipline, but rather a tool integrated into processes of innovation, product development, or digital transformation.

The projects developed with companies follow a clear logic that reflects how professionals work outside the academic sector.

Starting point: the briefing

Every project begins with a real briefing. The company defines a specific challenge, with specific objectives and resources.

This requires working within a framework that cannot be arbitrarily altered. It is not about “creating freely,” but rather about addressing a specific need.

Methodology: from thinking to prototype

Projects are developed by combining different approaches:

• The scientific method for structuring research
• Human-centered design for understanding the user
• Applied creativity for generating solutions
• Prototyping for validating ideas

This process is not linear. It involves iterating, discarding options, and justifying each decision.

Results: applicable solutions

The final result is not merely conceptual. It translates into proposals that the company can implement or test.

This is what sets a traditional academic project apart from a project in a professional context: the potential impact is real.

Projects can adopt different formats depending on the context in which they are developed.

Projects in class

These are projects linked to specific courses, lasting approximately three months. Working within this framework requires adapting to an academic schedule while maintaining a connection with a real company.

One example is the development of a product or service based on a challenge defined by an organization, integrating research, ideation, and prototyping.

Projects out of class

These projects are not bound by the academic calendar and can be carried out with greater flexibility. They are typically linked to research or consulting initiatives, such as those led by Elisava Research.

This allows for a deeper exploration of innovation processes, particularly in projects of a more strategic or experimental nature.

Visibility spaces: Grad Show

Another key aspect is the public presentation of projects, such as the Grad Show. This event showcases the results of the students’ work and also fosters connections with companies and institutions seeking talent.

This exhibition is not merely an academic showcase but a gateway to the job market. As part of this initiative, Elisava invites many leading companies in the industry to view the projects and meet the students, fostering collaboration and creating new career opportunities.

Beyond the final result, the true value lies in the process.

Working in a professional setting allows you to develop skills that are essential for career opportunities in design:

• Analytical and synthesis skills
• Critical thinking
• Interdisciplinary teamwork
• Communicating proposals
• Adapting to change and uncertainty

These skills are difficult to acquire through theory alone.

Is it comparable to work experience?

It is not exactly the same, but it is similar in many ways.
The main difference is that the project takes place in a learning environment.
Even so, the constraints and the way of working are similar to those in the professional world.

To what extent are the results accurate?

The projects are based on real-world challenges and can yield practical results.
In some cases, companies may continue to develop the proposals generated and ultimately implement them.
This reinforces the idea that this is not merely a theoretical exercise.

Is it useful to define your professional profile?

Yes, because it allows you to try out different roles within a project:

• Research
• Strategy
• Design
• Development

This helps you understand which area you feel most comfortable in or where you have the most potential.

Design has evolved into a more interdisciplinary discipline; it is no longer just about creating visual elements or objects, but rather about:

• Defining experiences
• Optimizing processes
• Driving business impact

This explains why real-world projects play such a significant role in the curriculum.

If you are considering pursuing a degree in this field, whether by studying the Bachelor in Design or the Bachelor in Industrial Design Engineering, the question is not just whether you are interested in design.

It is whether you are interested in working in contexts where:

• Decisions have a real impact
• Projects have specific constraints
• The process is just as important as the result

This approach might not be for everyone, but it is what defines many of today’s career paths in design.

Understanding this before making a decision helps reduce uncertainty and choose an educational path more thoughtfully.