A Study of the Design Process and Methodologies Employed by Students in Final-year, Major Projects in Industrial Design

Abstract

An initial study surveyed academics involved in teaching industrial design in Australia, and overseas. The study sought to determine the approach of students, in various industrial design degree programs, to their final-year projects and the extent to which the design process and design methods were incorporated in their project reports and documentation. The findings revealed a number of operational needs associated with studio-based learning, particularly those associated with final-year, project-based activity. These findings, together with teachings from the literature concerning how students go about design in the studio and the needs associated with project activity, led to the proposal of a generic model, entitled the Major Project Development Model “MPD Model”. The operational criteria in the MPD Model guided the development of a computer-integrated system of design methods allocated to the respective phases of the process. This system, called the “MPD System”, was designed to support and enhance student design work in major projects. The results, obtained from the use of this model and process, are presented and the implications discussed.