Abstract:

The territory is the expression of multiple levels of information that coexist and stratify. The identification of these aspects is essential to carry out improvements that allow an adequate development to the requirements of its inhabitants. This approach leads to a conservation of the qualities that mark the identity of a territory. The School of Industrial Design of the University of Bío-Bío, since its foundation in 1994, conducts research stays of its students once a year, in various territories of the country. This activity constitutes a method of collecting experiential information, to establish real valuations on the environment, to know its inhabitants, as well as the potential of its resources. The objective of the research is to promote the education of Industrial Design students, through their integration into the territory and coexistence with its inhabitants and customs, to improve their quality of life and job performance. This article presents the experience developed in the Juan Fernández Islands, a remote archipelago and national park off the coast of Chile. The methodology consists of a two-week student stay in the selected territory, to generate synergies with local people and define improvements to their living conditions, taking design as tools.

The stages developed are eight,
1.Collection of information through design research methods, such as experiential observations, interviews, a day in the life of. Students are integrated into the domestic and commercial work of the inhabitants;
2. Construction of a referential framework of performance and needs;
3. Co-creation of an action plan, considering users, territorial resources, preservation of identity and respect for the environment;
4. Conceptual definition of the design proposals to be developed;
5. Formal development and prototyping of high fidelity;
6. Co-development between designers and users;
7. Definition of the proposals and their management model for their integration into the daily life system;
8. Socialization with the members of the community.

The results are products that can be manufactured with local materials and technologies, and that can also be repaired and produced at low cost. Special care has had this aspect, due to the isolation of the place and the difficulties of obtaining raw materials. The proposed solutions are free to use, can be self-produced and are understood as everyone's heritage. Twelve hi-fi prototypes are co-designed, manufactured and tested in their context of use. The conclusions mention that a better understanding of the motivations and aspirations of designers can improve decision-making regarding shared problems in the community.

This requires a different role for the designer to establish empathetic relationships with users and all stakeholders. The methodology used by designers includes how they approach others. This ability to generate empathy with project participants necessarily generates an impact on results. Understanding the context with its territorial diversity and the diverse points of view of its inhabitants is essential to deliver adequate solutions to the greatest number of sectors and factors involved. Finally, the concept of identity is understood as that which arises from the environment, autonomously and with a capacity for seriation according to local demand.

Keywords:

Community design, educational community, manufacturing culture, participatory processes.