The purpose of this article is to analyze a methodological proposal for the formulation of knowledge management models applied to the context of Higher Education Institutions. The proposal was validated in the Fundación Universitaria Católica del Norte, de Medellin-Colombia. The methodology is a path consisting of diagnosis, design, implementation and validation of strategies. The dimensions and categories of the model were theoretically validated, as well as their applicability through interactive workshops, under the method of thought design. Among the main results is the usefulness of making a previous diagnosis in order to contextualize the intervention landscape and generate knowledge maps aimed at raising awareness of institutional procedures such as mechanism to explain and appropriate relevant knowledge.