The case of the subject of Context and Region is exposed: Introduction to Systems Thinking at the University of Ibague (Colombia) is presented in this paper. Its purpose is focused on the development of competencies to systematically perceive and structure regional problematic situations and design alternatives to dissolve them. During the last year, a pedagogical strategy has been implemented that links the practice of design as a contextual excuse to situate the development of competences. The experience obtained has shown that the simulation of a practice such as design in subjects related to transversal competences, recognizes and recovers the idea of design in universities, not only as a disciplinary program but, above all, in its transdisciplinary sense.