Innovating Perception: A design-based learning group project for Sensation and Perception

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sensation and Perception is an upper-division psychology course that typically focuses on foundational knowledge of sensory and perceptual systems. This study describes a design-based learning group project in Sensation and Perception that encouraged students to apply that foundational knowledge to real-world problems. Students were asked to devise, research, and conceptually design an innovation – such as a product or technology – that would help solve a problem faced by people with a particular sensory or perceptual difference (such as blindness). Students were guided through the design thinking process via 3 main phases: identifying the population and problem (empathizing and defining), using existing research to inform potential innovations (ideation), and designing a conceptual representation (prototyping). The project culminated in a product “pitch” and research paper. Survey data showed that students perceived the project to enhance their engagement with, application, and understanding of course material – benefits that were most prominent for first-generation students and people of colour. Furthermore, compared to students in previous quarters, students who completed this project achieved higher overall grades in the course. Overall, this study suggests that implementation of design-based learning group projects into courses like Sensation and Perception can enhance student learning and engagement, particularly for underrepresented students.