Strategic Design

The Strategic Design program at Escuela Mónica Herrera is built for visionary problem-solvers who seek to transform ideas into impactful solutions. This degree trains professionals to analyze user and organizational needs, using design methodologies and innovation strategies to create memorable experiences, efficient processes, and disruptive products and services.

Unlike traditional design programs, Strategic Design goes beyond aesthetics—it focuses on strategic thinking, innovation, and human-centered solutions. As a graduate, you will develop the ability to think critically, identify challenges, and create sustainable solutions that not only meet business objectives but also enhance user experiences.

By integrating design thinking with business strategy, you will be prepared to lead creative innovation in a wide range of industries, ensuring that your designs are economically viable, feasible within their context, and deeply impactful for users and organizations alike.

Download the curriculum

Career Opportunities

Strategic designers are versatile professionals who interpret and reshape their environment, solving problems from an innovative, research-driven, and user-centered perspective. They excel at identifying opportunities, designing solutions, and leading innovation processes across industries.

Industries where strategic designers work:

Multinational Companies

Industrial Sector

Banking Sector

Technology and Digital Services Sector

Advertising and Marketing Sector

Logistics and Aviation Sector

Healthcare Sector

Energy Sector

CEO, Raquel Arana – Class of 2011

Raquel Arana

At school, I learned how to create a product, marketing strategies, and how to sell. I gained knowledge in design programs, specialized software, photography, and user-centered approaches… The education we receive at school is truly comprehensive.

CEO, MERCH – Class of 2014

Julio Ramírez

A strategic designer can be an entrepreneur, content creator, content strategist for brands, and brand manager.

Strategic Design, ASESUISA / SURA – Class of 2016

Carolina Ávila

In my current job, I practice strategic design: I analyze the market and its needs to provide valuable insights to different departments and design the product that best aligns with those needs.

Product Designer, Empresas ADOC – Class of 2013

Sofía Aguilar

In my daily work, I research macro trends and adapt them to the Central American market, proposing a collection that aligns with local preferences.

Real
Challenges

Strategic Design students don’t just study design—they apply it to real-world challenges. Throughout the program, students work on projects that address pressing industry and societal needs, developing solutions that are both innovative and practical

Diseño Desde

Diseño Desde is a space created by students and faculty of the Strategic Design program, designed to serve as a platform for discussion, exploration, and reflection on Salvadoran design.

This initiative connects students, professionals, and the wider design community, providing a space where they can:
Share insights and experiences from the field of Strategic Design.
Showcase creative projects that push boundaries and explore new design methodologies.
Engage in critical discussions about the role of design in business, society, and innovation.

Through talks, workshops, and collaborations, Diseño Desde fosters an ongoing dialogue between academia and the professional world, ensuring that students remain at the forefront of design trends and industry advancements.