Design Course in a Low-density Region [EPDE]

A look at the international reference courses in the field of industrial design seems to reveal a significant concentration in developed regions with a high industrial and solid creative development, most usually in large cities, invigorated by a thriving business and supported in a dynamic cultural scene. This starting point implies the question of whether this context is mandatory or decisive to the existence of healthy higher education in industrial design. This article seeks to present, explain and analyze an industrial design university program in a peripheral, non-industrial region, with a fragile economy and an aged population, trying to debate scientific, pedagogical and university extension features, namely community relations, course strategy, so this program can provide quality learning for future industrial designers in the global context. This paper aims to question, discuss and help answer these doubts, using as a case study the 1st and 2nd cycle courses in industrial design, promoted at the University of Beira Interior, located in Covilhã, in the inland of Portugal. The characteristics of these courses will be presented and discussed, seeking to demonstrate how a clear definition of a strategy has become essential for the success of design education in peripheral regions.