The GED provides two strategies to develop skills in research typology for discipline and meta-disciplines: the
case study project; and the various research seedbeds. The first strategy is a basic, formative research project,
expressed through themes that are contextualized through problems relating to the local, regional and national
environment. Its objective is to develop a research project, set up in response to a gap in knowledge rather than a
design problem. The knowledge gap could constitute an absence, a flaw or a deficiency surrounding the conflicting
situations apparent in the reality of design, and which helps the student to construct (organize) knowledge. Likewise,
the SFI is related to the Project Area, backing up research for the project and establishing a relationship between the
case study project and degree work.
As shown in figure 3 (the SFI in relation to the curriculum), the case study project largely adheres to the stages of
research proposed by Bunge [6]: planning, execution and communication of results. The planning stage also includes
an introductory sub-stage, whereby the student is able to explore the different topics in an exploratory fashion,
enabling them to begin research planning, as proposed by Bunge. Finally, if it suits their professional profile, the
student may carry out an application i.e. a design project based on their case study project.