Experiments in Design Pedagogies to Improve Learning Experiences and Output

Designers typically adhere to a structured process, which commences with the identification of a problem and culminates in the development of a solution. This approach has proven to be highly effective in resolving issues, particularly among today’s design students. Moreover, the increasing awareness of design as a profession has resulted in a higher number of students opting for design education. Consequently, students with varying levels of design aptitude enrol in design programs. Regardless of their initial skill set or problem-solving capabilities, all students are expected to achieve a minimum level of proficiency in problem-solving upon graduation. To bolster student engagement throughout the design process, several experiments have been conducted. One such experiment involved the utilization of diverse idea-generation tools and the orchestration of workshops for design students, with the primary goal of enhancing ideation outcomes. This approach yielded a significant upsurge in the quantity of ideas generated among the student cohort. The methodical approach employed enhanced the quality and diversity of ideas also streamlining the selection of superior ideas during the evaluation phase. This improved ideation outcome not only raised the standard of ideas but also bolstered students’ confidence, enriched their learning experiences, and heightened their engagement with both instructors and the design process. This qualitative research delves into the deliberate efforts in design pedagogy aimed at elevating the overall performance of budding designers. Furthermore, the success of this experiment has led to the formulation of pedagogical guidelines for design education spanning various design disciplines and academic levels within the institution.