As part of the Erasmus+ mobility, we spent five days, from 11 to 15 March 2024, at the partner institution Faculty of Design, Technology and Communication – IADE at the ICDC (International Creative Design Challenge) BIP competition in Lisbon, Portugal. Students from four different countries participated: Germany (HdM Stuttgart), the Netherlands (Hanze UAS), Croatia (University of Algebra) and Portugal (IADE). Algebra was represented by two professors, Siniša Bogdanović and Mario Perić, and ten Design and 3D Design students, who were divided into two teams, and each team worked on a separate performance of the task.
The competition’s goal was to design a cover and additional content for a world-famous client: Vogue. The task was to use the cover and content to address some of the social problems, which is why each of the eight teams had different and creative ideas.
To get to know the client better, we visited the office of Vogue magazine and met the editors-in-chief, to whom we presented our ideas. In addition to cooperation with a world-famous brand, this competition gave us all experience in customer relations and how to apply everything we have learned so far.
Every morning we would work on an idea at IADE, and in the afternoon we would further develop the idea and explore the city in our free time. Lisbon has plenty of attractions, too many to cover in one week. Streets and buildings are paved with colorful tiles, and the whole city is full of works of art. We liked that they give so much attention to art. Lisbon also offers a great variety of food and drink at reasonable prices, one option better than the other.
When getting to know Portuguese culture, we noticed quite a few similarities with Croatia. The lifestyle is casual, there is no rush and you can enjoy every moment. Although several countries participated in the mobility, we communicated the most with the Portuguese students, who were friendly and happy to tell us more about their culture. In addition, each team was assigned a Portuguese mentor, who was ready to help and support us.
Although the competition was challenging, Lisbon will remain in our memories as an unforgettable, lively city with lovely people, beautiful architecture, and delicious food.
We are grateful to have been a part of the ICDC competition and the Erasmus+ mobility, we really recommend this type of exchange to anyone eager for travel and experience.
Students of the bachelor study programme Market Communication Design – Design and 3D Design: Bezjak Fran, Buben Jan, Domić Luka, Hradec Ela, Novak Mia, Pešice Ema, Pisačić Lorena, Pischiutta Lucija, Prelac ljan and Vukušić Cvita Mia
