VIRTUAL Prague Research & Teaching Conference

Abstract

This creative pedagogical experience was developed within an academic setting, framed by a project-based learning methodology, and implemented during the second year of the Graphic Design degree at the Higher School of Design – IPCA. The primary aim was to immerse students in a real-world design context by tasking them with the development of a visual identity project. This was facilitated through partnerships with local cultural institutions in the city of Barcelos, leveraging the students’ geographic and social proximity to these spaces, their communities, and the challenges they face. The project was conducted over the course of a semester and structured into three key phases. The initial phase involved research and the formulation of a project brief, including site visits and interviews with representatives from the cultural entities. The second phase focused on the conceptualization and development of the visual identity, progressing from preliminary sketches to final graphic outcomes. The final phase consisted of producing a comprehensive Standards Manual to ensure the coherent application of the identity across various media and contexts. The results at the conclusion of the semester indicated that direct engagement with real clients and cultural structures significantly enriched students’ research, interpretive, and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, this experiential approach fostered their capacity for problem-solving and innovation, reinforcing the pedagogical value of integrating real-world challenges into the academic environment.