Participation and real-life projects to improve Design education in Brazil

In recent years, Design interventions have focused on solving transversal issues, including social ones.However, the identification of the area as a design practice of 'objects of desire' is still very strong, mainly due to the role of the media, focused on the market.This article discusses an experience of a compulsory Project class developed with the students of the Design bachelor's degree in Uberlândia, Brazil that sought to discuss the social function of Design as a practice to respond to community demands, in a collaborative and integrated way.Guided by concepts of Participatory Design and Co-creation, the experience took place remotely due to the pandemic caused by Covid-19, which allowed exploring digital platforms to interact with the participants and therefore, to develop real-life projects.The results indicate that stimulating participation with community in undergraduate courses when developing projects that articulate theory and practice, although challenging, is a meaningful educational path to Design.In addition, it can contribute to raising awareness of the importance of engage other participants, with diverse training and experiences, and to generate viable solutions in collaboration and with greater social impact.