Design Professionals Research Articles

What are employers expecting from instructional design and learning technology professionals across sectors?

As new technologies and learning practices emerge, the way instructional design and learning technology (IDLT) professionals conduct their work evolves. With this constant evolution comes a change in employer expectations of IDLT professionals. This convergent mixed methods study analyzed 130 IDLT-related position descriptions and interviewed 12 IDLT leaders from the K12, nonprofit, higher education, and corporate sectors to identify current expectations related to degree qualifications, knowledge, skills, and abilities expected from IDLT professionals. Results included a preference for a master’s degree-level qualification, at times due to bureaucracy, and an interest in the combination of academic preparation with instructional design experience. Additionally, employers shared that they were interested in an advanced understanding and adaptable application of IDLT theories, models, and frameworks, as well as a need for non-specific IDLT skills (e.g., communication and collaboration) and familiarity with IDLT-related technologies (e.g., learning management system and course authoring software). These results provide valuable insight for those looking to join IDLT field, current IDLT professionals interested in upskilling, and educational programs preparing future IDLT professionals for the workforce.

Perceived Impact of Lecturers’ Digital Literacy Skills in Higher Education Institutions

This research investigates the impact of lecturers’ digital literacy skills on higher education institutions. It explores how technology integration influences teaching, learning, and research while proposing strategies to enhance educational outcomes. The central issue is how lecturers’ digital literacy skills directly affect higher education institutions’ teaching, learning, research, and overall educational experience. Many lecturers need to improve using technology tools, resources, and platforms, which can hinder tertiary institutions’ educational experience and academic outcomes. Employing a mixed-method approach and utilizing t-test analysis and two-way ANOVA, this study aligns with the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, emphasizing the integration of technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge for effective technology use in education. The research highlights the importance of equipping lecturers with robust digital literacy skills, enabling them to integrate technology effectively into higher education. It underscores the significance of digital literacy in reshaping the educational landscape. This study contributes to advancing knowledge, information practices, and the sustainable evolution of higher education institutions in the digital age. The findings also have practical implications for tailored professional development and curriculum design. It is important to note that this study acknowledges limitations related to sample size and qualitative focus. Future longitudinal studies can enhance our understanding of the evolving landscape of digital literacy in higher education.

Navigating urban sustainability: balancing livability, smartness, services and environment through AHP analysis

PurposeSustainable urban development involves integrating intelligent technology into urban planning to promote economic growth, social services, and environmental preservation. It fosters inclusiveness, safety, resilience, and sustainability in urban environments. However, this strategy faces challenges balancing economic growth, social equality, and environmental preservation. Design experts must balance economic development with sustainability preservation to achieve sustainable urban development. They depend on technology for smarter communities. The paper aims to identify the criteria for sustainable urban design and design professionals' bias and their awareness of using the fourth industrial revolution technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology involves a document review to identify criteria and weights for sustainable urban design. A questionnaire was conducted with 30 design professionals to understand their preferences and biases. A hierarchical framework was created, and pairwise comparisons were computed using an AHP Online System. The weight of each criterion was calculated by aggregating normalized pairwise values within each row and dividing by the total number of cells. The Consistency Ratio (CR) was determined by aggregating the values in the row to produce the weighted aggregate value for each principle.FindingsThe document review emphasizes the significance of sustainable urban design, livability, intelligence, and environmental conservation in sustainable communities. However, participants often overlook these aspects, focusing on comfort, privacy, security, and exclusiveness. They also ignore the need for smart city technologies and environmental protection. This lack of understanding may hinder Egypt’s achievement of SDG11.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper’s main limitation is the small sample size and composition, as all participants were Egyptians working in Egypt or the Arabian Gulf region. The findings cannot be generalized, and future research could involve a team from different regions. Egypt needs to address the lack of knowledge and awareness of sustainable urban design principles among design professionals to achieve SDG 11 goals. This can be achieved through educational initiatives, readjusting priorities towards sustainability, harmonizing policy and practice with sustainable urban design principles, and interdisciplinary teamwork. Design professionals should customize their methods to suit local requirements and ecological circumstances.Originality/valueThe paper reveals that many design professionals lack an integrated and holistic understanding of sustainable urban design principles that the document review outlined. Their responses and practices reveal an incomplete understanding of sustainable urban development, requiring attention to organizing the profession, training practitioners, and reforming planning education. The paper shows that AHP has the potential to serve as a suitable instrument for decision-making; nonetheless, it is essential to exercise caution when interpreting its outcomes.

Evaluation of DTP Package using WPM Method

DTP Package. Pamphlets, brochures, and newsletters are among the types of papers that can be produced using desktop publishing software (DTP). The fundamental capabilities of DTP software are included in contemporary word processors, but features like templates and frames make DTP software excellent for intricate page layouts. Examples based on your document in templates. You can achieve this with the aid of five of the most well-liked desktop publishing programmed: Adobe PageMaker, Adobe InDesign, Quark Express, Adobe FrameMaker, and Corel Ventura. Naturally, no one application has all the resources required to satisfy the needs of every publisher. Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe InDesign, Corel Ventura, CorelDraw, Microsoft Publisher, Page Stream, and QuarkXPress are typical examples of desktop publishing software. Although desktop publishing software includes some templates, it is still easy to produce subpar designs that can impair a media message's effectiveness or transmission. Microsoft Publisher, QuarkXPress, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe FrameMaker are examples of common desktop publishing software. DTP operators have enough of work because they are in charge of both new work and a sizable volume of old data that needs to be converted to digital format. A DTP operator may work for a big company or a tiny grocery store. Desktop publishing software includes applications like Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher, QuarkXPress, and Scribus. While office employees, teachers, students, small company owners, and non-designers utilize some of these, professional graphic designers and commercial printing technicians use others. She is a print and web designer as well as a writer, artist, and graphic designer. Graphic designers and desktop publishers frequently employ four different kinds of software. The designer's toolkit is primarily composed of these projects. Two key pieces of hardware are required for desktop publishing (DTP): 1) a computer with additional input devices like scanners and cameras, and 2) a printer with the ability to generate high-quality typographic and visual content. This paper is the weighted product for solving the routing decision problem Model (WPM) used. Every dynamically assign weight to criteria this proposed scheme considers the relevant valuation method for the Disk Operating System, Desktop publishing, Miscarriage, Scan, Spying alternative, and Count of occurrences across the entire dataset, % of total data, % of anomalous data evaluation. Disk Operating System, Desktop publishing, Miscarriage, Scan, Spying. Count of occurrences across the entire dataset, % of total data, % of anomalous data. The scan is got the first rank whereas Miscarriage has the lowest rank.

Research on Innovative Practice of Curriculum System of Art Design Specialty under the Background of New Liberal Arts

The development of the new liberal arts construction has put forward higher requirements for the training of art design professionals in colleges and universities. Under this background, colleges and universities should optimize the professional curriculum system setting, update the curriculum teaching model, and take the initiative to meet the changes of the current time. Based on this, this paper studies the innovative practice of the curriculum system of art and design majors under the background of new liberal arts. First of all, it analyzes the characteristics of the new liberal arts construction and its new requirements for the cultivation of art design talents. On this basis, the paper puts forward the strategy of curriculum system innovation practice, including clarifying the concept of curriculum system construction, promoting the integration of liberal arts courses, optimizing the practical curriculum system, introducing innovative and entrepreneurial practice projects, and so on, to cultivate high-quality art design talents with innovative spirit and practical ability.

Research on Talent Cultivation of Local Product Design Professionals Based on Cooperative Education

The booming growth of creative industries has resulted in a substantial rise in the need for talented individuals in innovative product design. A multitude of institutions and universities possess open-product students majoring in design. Nevertheless, due to the alterations in consumer demand, traditional product design urgently needs reform due to monotonous functions and serious homogenisation. In recent years, the cultural and creative sectors have been actively seeking innovative and intelligent products since they have become a new trend in the consumer market. Moreover, universities' current talent training model for cultivating such needs still needs improvement. Drawing from the current condition of talent development in product design and integrating the pedagogical knowledge gained recently, this paper presents a novel idea of local product design professional talent cultivation founded on the principles of cooperative education.

Design for safety training for construction professionals: A digital game-based learning approach

Globally, there is a pressing need to train more construction professionals in Design for Safety (DfS). Conventional instructional methods like video watching and lectures may not effectively meet professionals’ need for training programmes that are relevant to real-life. Digital game-based learning (DGBL) is a proven educational tool, yet its application in professional DfS training remains inadequately explored. This study examined DGBL’s effectiveness using the SafeSim Design game to train construction professionals in DfS. A quasi-experiment was conducted to compare the effect of DGBL with that of online videos covering the same training contents. In total, 246 construction professionals participated in the course and 61 were interviewed or took part in a focus group discussion. We evaluated the change in pre- and post-course quiz scores, assignment scores, questionnaire responses, and qualitative data. We found that DGBL benefitted trainees more equally across different levels of prior experience. The results contribute to the literature by pointing out the importance of occupational background in influencing trainee performance, a factor not well explored in the literature. The results indicate that providing optional scaffolding support and detailed explanations for in-game activities is crucial, as this approach avoids the expertise reversal effect and helps manage trainees’ cognitive load. This study also demonstrated the feasibility of designing and implementing DGBL as an instructional tool for professional training. The above findings inform the development of effective DfS training and contribute to the wider implementation of DfS in construction industry around the world.

Formation of Students' Readiness for Professional Design and Construction Activities Based on an Integrative Approach

The approach, stages, criteria and levels of development of design and engineering competencies among bachelors in technical areas of study are presented as an integral, multi-level dynamic system, as well as didactic components of the educational process. The proposed approach is based on the continuity of the process of preparing students for design and engineering activities throughout the entire period of study at the university, on the use of problem-oriented and designed teaching principles, along with the interdisciplinary nature of education and leading independent work.

Community-Working Occupational Therapists’ Involvement in Research and Development Projects in Norway

The aim of this study was to explore community-working occupational therapists’ involvement in research and development projects. A cross-sectional survey of occupational therapists working in community-based services in Norway (n = 617) was conducted. In all, 117 of the 617 participants responded that they were involved in research and development projects. Greater likelihood of participation in research and development work were found for occupational therapists who had completed further education. Current and prioritized research topics were professional development and the development of interprofessional and professional service designs for occupational therapy. Service and quality development, rehabilitation and technology were areas where more knowledge was considered needed. To increase the growth and success of occupational therapy research and development, it is important that more occupational therapists in the municipality continue to complete further education. High-quality occupational therapy practice should be based on research and development projects in the municipalities.

Self-organization of the dental community in Saint Petersburg (historical essay)

In Saint Petersburg, starting from 1883 and over the next 140 years, various professional dental public organizations (societies, trade unions, associations) were created and functioned, analyzing the activities of which one can find a certain similarity in the tasks they solve. Despite the specific conditions of a particular historical era, almost all of them actively performed essentially the same functions related to the organization of scientific communication of dental specialists, protection of their rights, regulation of dental practice, and development of professional education and social design in the healthcare sector. Turning to the retrospective of the self-organization of the dental community enables establishing historical continuity between the modern association of dentists and first societies of dentists, to feel the connection of times and understand that people who devoted their lives to the dental specialty and make up this community are united today by the same values that have always united them, regardless of the change in social formations.

TRENDS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND IMMERSIVE DESIGN USE IN THE FORMATION OF ARCHITECTURAL ENVIRONMENT

There is increasing attention to a new design methodology incorporating the latest achievements of a non-hierarchical way of forming based on the learning process of computers or machines, namely the concepts of artificial intelligence (AI) and immersive design, using virtual and other types of reality. The study aims to reveal the necessity to identify the main trends of artificial intelligence and immersive design use in architectural environment formation. The results can contribute to rethinking architectural design algorithms at the present stage and identifying potential opportunities for improvement. The paper describes the possibilities of AI and immersive design in architectural environment formation. Analysis of current research in this field has made it possible to identify trends that likely will continue to develop further and impact the architectural profession. One of these trends is the improvement of the architect’s toolkit, currently provided by additional plug-ins to existing programmes or separate services based on AI algorithms, but in the future, it may be a change in the programme code itself with a completely updated structure. In this case, the role of software from the architect-managed toolkit may shift to another plane, such as a digital assistant that partially or fully manages its responsibilities in working on an architectural project. The symbiosis of multidirectional but powerful immersive design technologies (VR, AR, MR) and AI algorithms is another trend in architectural environment formation. It can also be characterised as the most experimental and, at the same time, dynamically progressing, given the active development of its components. Another modern trend is to bring architectural design to a new level of a balanced combination of virtual and real. The immersion of the user in virtual reality for design work and demonstration of the relevant results is gradually changing as the 3D model of an architectural structure is increasingly manifested in the physical world, including at the implementation site, and interactive equipment with flexible and constantly evolving functionality provides architects with more opportunities for creativity. Keywords: artificial intelligence, immersive design, architectural environment.

Research on Knitted Garment Design and Innovation Countermeasures--Tongxiang Puyuan Knitwear Industry as an Example

As an important knitted garment production area in China, Tongxiang knitted garment market has a good production base. However, with the adjustment of supply and demand and changes in consumer demand, the existing knitted garment industry needs to adapt to the development of the times to carry out the corresponding industrial upgrading. This paper focuses on the existing knitted garment industry problems, such as: lack of innovation in knitted garment design, lack of brand competitiveness in the knitted garment market and inaccurate industrial positioning. Try to put forward to the use of design innovation, increase research and development efforts to improve the comprehensive ability of knitted garment enterprises; training of professional knitted garment design talent, and increase investment in science and technology so as to improve product quality and market taste; will be the neighboring regions of the garment industry organically combined together to drive the upgrading of the development of industrial proposals and countermeasures. Design and innovation as the driving force, better development of knitted garment industry in Tongxiang City.

Exploring the opportunities in circular design as an affordable housing solution in Nigeria

Abstract The shortage of adequate housing is caused by global challenges such as urbanisation, economic instability, pandemics, and displacements. Additionally, the building sector is resource-intensive, leading to the emergence of the circular economy (CE) that is focused on resource efficiency. The design stage plays a central role in the CE model. However, circular housing design (CHD) in Nigeria has not been thoroughly explored. This study examined the opportunities for implementing CHD in Nigeria. Through a desk review approach, relevant data from the critical review of selected articles from reputable databases in the last five years were synthesized and incorporated into the study. The findings revealed that the adoption of CHD in Nigeria can assist in achieving affordability, decarbonisation, climate change mitigation, improving environmental value, energy optimisation, resource efficiency, and urban mining. More specifically, it will stimulate sustainability in the housing sector, digitalisation, technical expertise development, policies and regulations, land provision, coordination and collaboration, local voluntary stewardship programme, and new market opportunities in housing delivery in Nigeria. There is a need to develop technical skills in CHD through knowledge sharing among design professionals via multi-stakeholder collaborations and investment in technologies, as well as adopting integrated circular project delivery methods in the supply chain.

Expanding the Global Capacity for Childhood Cancer Registration: The ChildGICR Masterclass.

One determinant of the paucity of data on childhood cancer in low- and middle-income countries is the lack of capacity to register these cases. Combining expertise of the Global Initiative for Cancer Registry Development (GICR) and St Jude Global, we developed a ChildGICR educational program to promote data production. We first conducted a needs assessment to identify priority educational topics. Then, we designed the ChildGICR Masterclass, in which individuals with the potential to lead pediatric cancer registration were supported to prepare standard educational material. The outcomes were evaluated using qualitative and quantitative measures. On the basis of indications by 38 GICR collaborators, we identified seven topics relevant to childhood cancer: burden description, registration principles, tumor classification, tumor staging, data quality control, data analysis, and data use. The ChildGICR Masterclass was held online in 2021 over 12 weeks. The 22 nominated participants created presentations in working groups and during live sessions. They also designed future training courses tailored to the needs of their region. Nineteen participants viewed the course experience as excellent, and 20 would continue engagement in the ChildGICR training activities. The developed material was 89% useful according to the faculty of the three online end courses, taught to 88 participants in 16 countries in 2022 and 2023. Among the 75 responding participants, 72 agreed that the learning objectives were attained and 60 were keen to engage in childhood cancer registration activities. The ChildGICR Masterclass participants laid the foundation for a network of trainers. Knowledge dissemination in childhood cancer registration is the first necessary step toward evidence-based cancer control. The ChildGICR Masterclass can serve as a model to design, plan, and implement educational programs for health care professionals.

Architectural Space Recognition from Blueprints Using Machine Learning-Based Semantic Segmentation

Architectural blueprints have been providing fundamental processes for urban planning, construction, and interior design for professionals. It contains a visual representation of building plans and specifications in the construction and design industry. However, for the non-expert, it is difficult to understand these complex technical drawings. This is because of the specialized language, symbols, and technical knowledge required to understand architectural blueprints. This challenge often leads to misunderstandings which can extend the construction process and escalate costs. To bridge this knowledge gap, in this research paper, I propose a machine-based blueprint interpretation method using semantic segmentation. The proposed method takes blueprints as input and generates semantic segmentation maps. These maps categorize and isolate distinct architectural areas into predefined classes, including rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. The proposed machine learning model is tested on a publicly available dataset of architectural blueprints. Through comprehensive quantitative and qualitative assessments, it is shown that the proposed method achieves state-of-the-art performance.

Mycelium-Based Composites: Surveying Their Acceptance by Professional Architects

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are biomaterials with scientifically proven potential to improve sustainability in construction. Although mycelium-based products are not entirely new, their use in engineering presents challenges due to the inherent properties of this fungal material. This study investigated professional architects’ and interior designers’ perceptions of MBCs, focusing on familiarity, aesthetic appeal, and willingness to use. The first phase of the survey explored respondents’ views on material-related ecological design principles. In the second phase, respondents evaluated ten small architectural objects crafted from MBCs, focusing on form, detail, and visual appeal. The last phase of the survey measured their interest in using mycelium in their design work. The results revealed that MBCs were relatively unknown among the surveyed professionals; only every second respondent knew this material. Despite this, 90% found MBCs visually appealing after seeing the examples. Interestingly, the natural, unprocessed appearance of the material was assessed as less aesthetically pleasing, with thermal treatment improving its perceived value. Architects were more receptive to using MBCs in their professional projects for customers than for personal use. This observation points to a ‘double standard’: professional architects are more open to using MBCs in projects not intended for their own use.

Influence of Natural - Artificial Light & Ventilation on Spatial Design in Fashion Design Institute

This research investigates the impact of natural and artificial lighting, as well as ventilation, on spatial design within a Fashion Design Institute context. Through a combination of observational analysis and qualitative assessment, this study aims to explore how lighting and ventilation systems contribute to the overall functionality, aesthetics, and user experience of educational spaces within a fashion design institution. The methodology involves a comprehensive examination of lighting technologies, and ventilation strategies relevant to educational environments. Additionally, site visits and interviews with stakeholders such as students, faculty, and design professionals will provide valuable insights into their perceptions and experiences regarding spatial design factors. Preliminary findings suggest that effective integration of natural light sources, supplemented by well-designed artificial lighting systems, can enhance creativity, productivity, and comfort within fashion design studios and classrooms. Moreover, optimal ventilation solutions play a crucial role in maintaining a conducive learning environment by regulating temperature, humidity levels, and air quality. Through this research, practical recommendations will be proposed for architects, designers, and educational institutions to optimize spatial design through the strategic incorporation of lighting and ventilation elements. By acknowledging the significance of these factors in shaping the learning environment, fashion design institutes can create inspiring spaces that foster innovation, collaboration, and student well-being.

Multi‐label logo recognition and retrieval based on weighted fusion of neural features

AbstractClassifying logo images is a challenging task as they contain elements such as text or shapes that can represent anything from known objects to abstract shapes. While the current state of the art for logo classification addresses the problem as a multi‐class task focusing on a single characteristic, logos can have several simultaneous labels, such as different colours. This work proposes a method that allows visually similar logos to be classified and searched from a set of data according to their shape, colour, commercial sector, semantics, general characteristics, or a combination of features selected by the user. Unlike previous approaches, the proposal employs a series of multi‐label deep neural networks specialized in specific attributes and combines the obtained features to perform the similarity search. To delve into the classification system, different existing logo topologies are compared and some of their problems are analysed, such as the incomplete labelling that trademark registration databases usually contain. The proposal is evaluated considering 76,000 logos (seven times more than previous approaches) from the European Union Trademarks dataset, which is organized hierarchically using the Vienna ontology. Overall, experimentation attains reliable quantitative and qualitative results, reducing the normalized average rank error of the state‐of‐the‐art from 0.040 to 0.018 for the Trademark Image Retrieval task. Finally, given that the semantics of logos can often be subjective, graphic design students and professionals were surveyed. Results show that the proposed methodology provides better labelling than a human expert operator, improving the label ranking average precision from 0.53 to 0.68.

The expanding scope of ship design practice

As the former International Chair of IMDC, the initiator of the continuing series of IMDC State of Art (SoA) Reports and the lead author of most IMDC SoA Reports on design methodology from 1997 to 2018, the author has both pioneered and observed an increasingly broader scope in the practice of the design of particularly complex vessels. The paper commences with reviewing some key publications, not just to recent IMDCs, that have tracked the manner in which “ship design” (in the broadest sense) has become more sophisticated – especially in the crucial early stages of design. The diversity of ship design practice, not just due to computer-based methods, is readily observable. Moreover, the impact of computer aided design in ship design has not just been to better analyse ship performance (e. g. in hydrodynamics, strength and ship infrastructure systems behaviour) but also in the increasing use of graphical tools and design methods to enable “better ship design”. In a growing number of, mainly, academic centres, but also in some government agencies and design consultancies, there is a clear desire to better understand how to design “ships” and to manage the ship design process, especially for the most complex and novel classes of vessels. In particular, the objectives being sought when conceptualising and synthesising a range of ship options (as part of the requirement elucidation approach) in an ever-increasing scoping of the relevant issues, amounts to developing a more holistic approach. This is not just due to an increasingly complex ship acquisition and ownership environment, but also due to environmental and socio-economic (especially system safety) concerns. Overlaying all this are the opportunities or the spectre of Artificial Intelligence (or perhaps more immediately those of Machine Learning) and its likely impact on engineering practice as well as those other professions in the “marine design enterprise”. The paper concludes by emphasising that while ship design has distinct differences, when compared with most other large scale engineering design practice, the lead ship design profession of the naval architect has somehow to deal with this expanding scope in the practice of “ship design”. This means the education and on the job development thrust must broaden if the ship design profession is not to be side-lined into acting as mere hull engineers. It is argued, such a specific role will be more vulnerable in an increasingly Machine Learning dominated future, than the holistic ship creating and systems architectural alternative. Finally an ambitious vision for future ship designers is given alongside a summary of the specific main contributions by the author to ship design methodology.

Back to the Roots: Reconstructing Large and Complex Cranial Defects using an Image-based Statistical Shape Model

Designing implants for large and complex cranial defects is a challenging task, even for professional designers. Current efforts on automating the design process focused mainly on convolutional neural networks (CNN), which have produced state-of-the-art results on reconstructing synthetic defects. However, existing CNN-based methods have been difficult to translate to clinical practice in cranioplasty, as their performance on large and complex cranial defects remains unsatisfactory. In this paper, we present a statistical shape model (SSM) built directly on the segmentation masks of the skulls represented as binary voxel occupancy grids and evaluate it on several cranial implant design datasets. Results show that, while CNN-based approaches outperform the SSM on synthetic defects, they are inferior to SSM when it comes to large, complex and real-world defects. Experienced neurosurgeons evaluate the implants generated by the SSM to be feasible for clinical use after minor manual corrections. Datasets and the SSM model are publicly available at https://github.com/Jianningli/ssm.