# Design Academy

[Design](https://www.strv.com/./design)  
[Product](https://www.strv.com/./product)  
[About STRV](https://www.strv.com)  

**Experience**  
Beginner  
Beginner

**Time to complete**  
5–6 weeks  
5–6 weeks

**Class size**  
16 students  
16 students

**Tuition**  
Free  
Free

[Get notified](https://www.strv.com/./design)

## How it works
You’ll spend five weeks mixing essential design theory with hands-on work. Every session builds on the last. Everything you learn is applied to one continuous course project with guidance from senior STRV designers.

### DESIGN THAT HOLDS UP
Learn how to design UI that works beyond Figma. Develop visual direction, interface design skills and UX foundations that make your work stay clear and intentional.

### ONE PROJECT, FIVE WEEKS
One project from start to finish. Each session adds a new layer, and you apply it right away. Rough ideas evolve into presentation-ready product design without busywork or filler.

### FEEDBACK FROM WORKING DESIGNERS
Get hands-on feedback from STRV designers who ship digital products every day. Plus, access a shared Slack space to ask questions and keep things moving between sessions.

## What you'll learn
Orientation: The Program, The Project, The People

- April 14, 2026  
  ⋅ 2 hours  
  In-Person

- Setting the Look: Moodboarding & Visual Direction  
  April 16, 2026  
  ⋅ 4 hours  
  In-Person

- Brand Basics: Color, Type & Rules That Scale  
  April 21, 2026  
  ⋅ 3 hours  
  Online

- Designing the Path: UX, Flows & Wireframes  
  April 23, 2026  
  ⋅ 4 hours  
  In-Person

- From Direction to Screens: Visual Design in Practice  
  April 28, 2026  
  ⋅ 4 hours  
  In-Person

- Design Lab: Open Studio with STRV  
  May 7, 2026  
  ⋅ 4 hours  
  In-Person

- Showtime: Project Presentation & Graduation  
  May 14, 2026  
  ⋅ 6 hours  
  In-Person

### How the work FLOWS
Homework tied to your project  
Every assignment feeds directly into your design project. Apply what you learned, receive structured feedback and refine your work before the next session.

One continuous project, start to finish  
You'll work on the same design project throughout the Academy, applying new concepts each week with guidance from STRV mentors. By the end, you'll have something real to show.

## Design Academy is for you if
1. You have a portfolio but lack real-world experience and want to see how professional designers actually work.  
2. You're looking for direct mentorship and honest critique from senior designers, not pre-recorded courses.  
3. You’re ready to show up in Prague, commit fully, and put in the work for five intensive weeks.  
4. You want to leave ready to compete for design roles at product-driven companies like STRV.

## How to join
A structured selection process designed to find motivated candidates and ensure a strong fit on both sides.

**128 spots**  

### Submit your application
Tell us who you are, what motivates you, and why you want in. Share your portfolio — concepts or client work both work. We’ll move 32 candidates forward.

**32 spots**

### Complete a test project
Selected candidates complete a short design task and record a brief video. Then we'll meet for a quick online interview to chat and answer your questions. From there, we'll choose 16 students.

**16 spots**

### Join the Academy
The final 16 join STRV Academy for intensive and hands-on learning in Prague. You’ll work closely with STRV mentors and fellow students. The program is free, which is why the selection process is thorough.

## Be the first one to know
Applications for the 2026 Design Academy are now closed. Be the first to hear about future cohorts.

### What graduates say
Every session clicked. Great speakers, great energy. And the whole Academy felt thoughtfully  
put together.  
*Product Academy 2022 Graduate*

# FAQs

01  
When is the application deadline?

02  
What level of experience do I need?

03  
Do I need to know Figma?

04  
How much does it cost?

05  
How long after I apply will I know if I was selected for the second round?

06  
When will I get the final decision?

07  
What language is the program in?

08  
Is it in-person or online?

09  
Can I apply if I'm not based in Prague?

10  
What time do sessions take place?

11  
What's the time commitment?

12  
What will I actually build?

13  
What if I miss a session?

14  
What are the rules for graduation?

15  
Will I get a job at STRV after?

16  
What happens after I graduate?