Metadesign Tool for PBL-Based Design Masters Program

Abstract

This paper examines the application of the metadesign tool Strateegia on the context of the Professional Masters Design Program that follows a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) approach. In this program, students formed three research units called Studios and are invited to take part on challenges provided by real organizations and must deliver a Proof of Concept following the entire design process within six months. This provided challenges for both tutors and students as on how to conduct the studios without compromising the design process or the learning process. As hybrid and asynchronous collaboration tools gained pervasiveness after the pandemic, the opportunity to adopt a more effective approach emerged, thus the Strateegia tool was incorporated in the process.

By thoroughly documenting and analyzing the process and evaluating feedbacks from students, faculty members and clients, this case tudy provides findings that will contribute with the improvement of the program and student learning journey.

The three Studios utilized the tool for the main process, but also experimented on it by applying different methods and processes to improve their performance and overall designs.