Legal design: Methodological innovation for the development of the final degree project

Abstract

This study analyzes the effectiveness of the Legal Design methodology in legal education, based on its application in the elaboration of Final Degree Projects of the Master's Degree Program in Law at the Universidad de Valparaíso. Using a mixed-methods research approach that combines qualitative and quantitative methods, the study explores how this methodology contributes to the development of professional competencies in the legal field. The results suggest that its implementation not only positively impacts academic performance but also enhances critical thinking, professional skills, and collaborative work. Furthermore, it facilitates the definition of legal problems according to students’ areas of specialization, fostering dialogue between contemporary legal doctrine, living law, and the program’s graduate competency profile. However, certain limitations are identified, particularly those stemming from the semester-based cycle and the low preference for empirical research in the legal field, as the trend leans toward a traditional, dogmatic approach to legal research. It is concluded that Legal Design promises a transformative approach to political and social structures, moving them toward more democratic models by focusing on real problems and proactively generating solutions that produce a positive impact.