How ESDi Shapes Tomorrow’s Designers — Programs & Portfolio Tips

How ESDi Shapes Tomorrow’s Designers — Programs & Portfolio TipsFounded in Barcelona, ESDi (Escuela Superior de Diseño) is one of Spain’s foremost design schools, blending technical training, creative exploration, and industry engagement to prepare students for contemporary design careers. This article explores ESDi’s programs, teaching approach, industry connections, and practical portfolio tips to help prospective students present their best work.

An overview of ESDi’s educational model

ESDi emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach where design is taught not just as aesthetics but as problem-solving across fields such as product, fashion, graphic, digital, and interior design. The curriculum balances theoretical foundations (history of design, design thinking, cultural studies) with hands-on workshops, studio projects, and industry-led assignments. Project-based learning and collaborative studios mirror professional practice, so students graduate with applied experience and a body of work ready for the job market.

Programs and degrees

ESDi offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs tailored to different design disciplines and career goals:

• Bachelor’s degrees: product design, fashion design, graphic design, interior design, and audiovisual/digital design.
• Master’s programs: specialized tracks in UX/UI, strategic design, sustainable design, and advanced product or fashion design.
• Short courses and continuing education: workshops and certificates focusing on software, materials, and emerging topics like circular design and digital fabrication.

Many programs integrate internships and capstone projects with companies, which helps students build real-world experience and professional networks.

Pedagogy — how teaching prepares students for the future

• Interdisciplinary studios: Projects bring together students from different design majors to work on complex briefs, reflecting real-world teams.
• Industry collaboration: Companies sponsor briefs, mentor students, and host internships; visiting professionals give critiques and masterclasses.
• Emphasis on research and strategy: Students learn to ground creativity in user research, market analysis, and sustainability principles.
• Digital and production skills: Coursework includes CAD, 3D modelling, rapid prototyping, pattern making (for fashion), and digital tools for visual communication.
• Portfolio workshops: Structured guidance on storytelling, presentation, and curating work for different audiences.

Industry connections and career outcomes

ESDi’s location in Barcelona, a vibrant design and tech hub, gives students access to agencies, studios, and manufacturers. Career services support job placement, while alumni networks and partnerships help graduates secure roles in product design, UX, branding, fashion houses, and design consultancies. Many students also launch startups or freelance practices supported by incubators and entrepreneurship courses.

Tips for building a standout ESDi portfolio

• Lead with process: Show your research, ideation, iterations, and final solution. Employers at ESDi-valued companies care about thinking as much as aesthetics.
• Include multidisciplinary projects: Demonstrate collaboration across UX, product, visual, or fabrication disciplines.
• Quality over quantity: Curate 6–10 strong projects rather than a large volume of unfinished work.
• Contextualize each project: For every piece include brief bullets on challenge, role, constraints, methods used, and results or learnings.
• Prototypes and visuals: High-quality photos of prototypes, 3D renders, wireframes, and diagrams make work tangible—include scale references.
• Reflect sustainability and ethics: Show awareness of materials, lifecycle thinking, and inclusive design.
• Personal projects count: Well-executed self-initiated work can demonstrate initiative and unique voice.
• Tailor for the program: Emphasize relevant skills—e.g., pattern work for fashion, CAD for product design, UX flows for digital tracks.
• Polish presentation: Use consistent typography, grid layout, and concise copy. Create both PDF and web versions (Behance, personal site).
• Prepare a physical portfolio: For in-person reviews, bring a tidy printed book and any physical prototypes or samples.

Application strategy and interview preparation

• Prepare a concise pitch for each project: 60–90 seconds that highlights problem, approach, and outcome.
• Expect portfolio reviews: Be ready to discuss decisions, failures, and what you would change.
• Demonstrate cultural fit: Show curiosity about ESDi’s approach, willingness to collaborate, and interest in Barcelona’s design scene.
• Get recommendations: Teachers or industry mentors who can speak to your process and professionalism strengthen applications.

Examples of student project types valued at ESDi

• Service design for urban mobility integrating physical product and app interface.
• Sustainable fashion capsule using zero-waste patterns and local materials.
• Reimagined retail space blending interior design and brand storytelling.
• Social-impact product design addressing accessibility or elderly care.
• Interactive audiovisual installations combining coding, sensors, and narrative.

Final thoughts

ESDi prepares designers by combining rigorous craft, strategic thinking, and industry engagement. A thoughtful, process-driven portfolio that demonstrates multidisciplinary collaboration, real-world problem solving, and an ethical approach to materials and users will align well with ESDi’s expectations—positioning candidates to become the next generation of impactful designers.