Design Education Research Articles

Cultural Sensitivity and Social Well-Being in Embassy Architecture: Educational Approaches and Design Strategies

Over the past two decades, the expanding environmental and ecological crises highlight the need to broaden the concept of sustainability to encompass support for cultural sensitivity and social well-being. This study explores the role of architectural education in fostering cultural sensitivity and social well-being in embassy architecture within a framework of environment–behavior studies. It starts from the premise that the architectural values of a culture are deeply rooted in the relationship between the users, architecture, and surrounding environment. State-sponsored architectural works (e.g., embassies, consulates, cultural centers) built outside the country are viewed as symbolic representations of a nation’s diplomatic and cultural influence. These architectural typologies hold a unique potential to act as bridges for cross-cultural dialogue and foster a collective sense of global citizenship. In order to develop and assess the teaching curriculum, a specific assignment was given to master’s students of the Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade, with the aim to explore how engineering education can be adopted to motivate students toward sustainable attitudes and design solutions. While traditional diplomatic architecture emphasizes inward-facing, fortress-like design strategies, establishing physical and symbolic barriers between the embassy’s territory and the surrounding context, this research advocates for a more holistic approach oriented toward cultural sustainability, openness, and integration within an urban context. Key findings highlight creative solutions for balancing cultural representation with functional requirements while prioritizing community engagement, environmental responsibility, and user well-being. By demonstrating the two distinctive architectural strategies, this study contributes to the culturally responsive embassy design within the broader context of sustainable architectural education.

Shared storytelling with a virtual learning companion: prospects in child-AI collaboration

Advances in natural language processing techniques enhance the capabilities of conversational agents to process input text and generate fluent responses in various genre. In the educational setting, these conversational agents can function as learning companions to promote peer learning, enhance social interaction, and motivate collaborative behavior. In this paper, we investigate how children collaborate with conversational agents in the context of story construction. We conducted user studies and administered survey forms to collect children’s evaluation of their experience, captured the child-agent conversation logs, and used an observation checklist to monitor the interaction. We analyzed the logs to determine how children respond to varying roles portrayed by the agent and the dialogue moves that motivate collaborative behavior during storytelling. We correlated these with the children’s reported perception and our own observation of the interaction based on performance, collaboration and humanity attributes. Drawing on these results, we identified the roles of conversational agents that align with children’s traits and abilities as storytellers and propose dialogue strategies to facilitate collaborative storytelling. Findings from our study can inform future educational technology designers on the roles of conversational agents as collaborative learning companions who can adapt to the individual needs and preferences of the children.

Connecting through e-portfolio practice: trust, relationships and expertise

Trust, relationships, expertise, and connections are essential components in the practice of authentic, programmatic e-portfolio practice. The behind-the-scenes educational practices of Educational Designers, a Program Director and Academics in the implementation and design of student-curated, authentic programmatic assessments is definitely not well researched. Thus, our paper introduces, analyses, and reflects on the different aspects and layers of e-portfolio implementation into a bachelor degree. Through our personal lenses, we uncover some of the key lessons we have learned during this unique opportunity. The paper is not about addressing the technological implementation of the e-portfolio platform, nor simply pedagogical underpinnings; instead, we focus on the convergence of pedagogical practice relationships which are essential during the process of emerging, connecting and sustaining e-portfolios through an ongoing community of practice, within the learning lifecycle.

Phases in novice university teachers’ development of self-efficacy across and within teacher tasks: a Rasch Analysis

ABSTRACT Supporting academics’ initial development as university teachers is important for improving their ability to contribute to high-quality education and for reducing anxiety and stress around teaching. Focusing on tasks experienced as challenging is considered a key principle for organising effective teacher professional development. To apply this principle in practice, more knowledge is needed about the development of novice university teachers’ self-efficacy in their teacher tasks. Therefore, this study aims to investigate phases in the development of novice university teachers’ self-efficacy. Data were collected amongst 201 novice university teachers at a Dutch research-intensive university and associated university medical centre, using a questionnaire measuring self-efficacy in different teacher tasks. Polytomous Rasch analyses were performed on novice university teachers’ self-efficacy scores, both across and within teacher tasks. Results suggested three developmental phases in novice university teachers’ self-efficacy across teacher tasks: (1) development in ‘teaching and supporting learning’, (2) development in ‘assessment and feedback’ and ‘educational design’, (3) development in ‘educational leadership and management’ and ‘educational scholarship and research’. Two or three phases for the development of self-efficacy were found within each of these teacher tasks. These results expand our knowledge of the development of academics’ self-efficacy related to specific teacher tasks. They also provide suggestions for how pedagogic training and workplace learning may be shaped in such a way that they focus novice university teachers’ learning on teacher tasks that are difficult but not overchallenging.

Exploring the Vital Role of Colors and Shapes in Architectural Design and Education

This study investigates the crucial influence of color and form on architectural design and architecture education, highlighting how these elements shape the aesthetics of the built environment and impact human experiences. The central problem addressed is the need to understand the interaction between color and form in creating spaces that evoke specific emotions and cultural narratives, contributing to an architecture that goes beyond functionality. The importance of this study lies in demonstrating how the careful integration of these elements can enrich the built environment and improve the quality of architectural education. The methodology adopted includes the analysis of case studies and expert opinions, along with the exploration of innovative methods in the teaching of architecture, which combine practical learning, virtual simulations and interdisciplinary collaboration. The results indicate that an in-depth understanding of the dynamic relationship between colors and shapes allows architects, but also society in general, to enhance their creativity, contributing to a more culturally significant and aesthetically impactful built environment.

The influence of financial technology, personality traits, and financial literacy on financial attitude, personal saving orientation, and family financial planning, moderated by financial quotient among naval families. “A study of Hera naval base, Timor-Leste”

Family financial planning is becoming more and more crucial, particularly in military environments where certain challenges can affect financial habits. The study looks at moderating role of financial quotient on the correlation between financial technology, personality traits, and financial literacy and family financial planning of naval families at Naval Base Hera. Although certain factors of financial behaviour have been studied before, how these factors are interrelated within military families is still unclear. This research seeks to fill this gap by employing a causal explanatory research method that analyze sources from 248 married Navy personnel through using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach with Smart PLS. The findings paint a picture that where Fintech influences the financial behaviours of individuals and families, such traits for personality and financial literacy inform their attitudes and ever financial planning. Posted here, it is revealed that financial quotients have a moderate influence on the results of family financial planning. Thus, this research highlights the need to design and implement financial education interventions that incorporate technology support and improve the financial literacy of naval officers with policy implication for the authorities as well as other denominations in the teaching of financial education. This research fills this gap making a positive contribution in the understanding of financial management in military environment hence contributing to the informing of policies that foster better financial stability and well-being of families of soldiers serving in the navy.

Compare the teaching effectiveness and student satisfaction between native Japanese language teachers and non-native Japanese language teachers

This study examines the comparative teaching effectiveness and student satisfaction between native Japanese language teachers (NJLTs) and non-native Japanese language teachers (NNJLTs). Utilizing a sample of 740 students from various educational institutions in Japan, the research employs a quantitative design, including structured questionnaires adapted from established scales. Advanced statistical methods, including factor analysis and multiple regression, were used to analyze the data. The findings reveal no significant differences in student satisfaction and language proficiency between students taught by NJLTs and NNJLTs. Additionally, regression analysis showed that cultural relatability and empathy were not significant predictors of teaching effectiveness, suggesting that factors beyond nativeness influence student outcomes. These results challenge the native-speakerism ideology, highlighting the importance of pedagogical skills, teacher-student rapport, and effective teaching strategies. The study underscores the need for inclusive hiring practices, comprehensive teacher training programs, and collaborative teaching models that leverage the strengths of both NJLTs and NNJLTs. Implications for educational policy, curriculum design, and teacher professional development are discussed, advocating for a balanced approach that values the contributions of both native and non-native teachers. Limitations include the reliance on self-reported data and the specific cultural context of Japan. Future research should explore additional variables, employ longitudinal designs, and utilize mixed-methods approaches to provide a more nuanced understanding of language teaching effectiveness.

Pushing the Boundaries of Architectural and Engineering Education

This study investigates the impact of an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to architecture and engineering education through a case study analysis based on a Solar Decathlon studio conducted in Turkey. The studio, which competed in the Solar Decathlon Design Challenge 2024, engaged architecture and engineering students, academics, and professionals in collaboration with design and industry partners to repurpose an abandoned school site. The study uses a hermeneutic methodology to explore the lived experiences of team participants and assess the outcomes, benefits, and challenges of the interdisciplinary and collaborative studio experience in developing a professional horizon and design knowledge and skills to address contemporary issues. Through semi-structured interviews, surveys, and thematic analysis, the study sheds light on the symbiotic relationship between academia, industry, civil society, and state departments in architectural and engineering education. This research contributes to understanding the potential of interdisciplinary design education in addressing the 21st-century problems in the built environment.

Changing the conversation: impact of guidelines designed to optimize interprofessional facilitation of simulation-based team training

BackgroundInterprofessional simulation-based team training (ISBTT) is commonly used to optimize interprofessional teamwork in healthcare. The literature documents the benefits of ISBTT, yet effective interprofessional collaboration continues to be challenged by complex hierarchies and power dynamics. Explicitly addressing these issues during ISBTT may help participants acquire skills to navigate such challenges, but guidelines on how to do this are limited.MethodsWe applied an educational design research approach to develop and pilot structured facilitator guidelines that explicitly address power and hierarchy with interprofessional teams. We conducted this work in a previously established ISBTT program at our institution, between September 2020 and December 2021. We first reviewed the literature to identify relevant educational theories and developed design principles. We subsequently designed, revised, and tested guidelines. We used qualitative thematic and content analysis of facilitator interviews and video-recording of IBSTT sessions to evaluate the effects of the guidelines on the pre- and debriefs.ResultsQualitative content analysis showed that structured guidelines shifted debriefing participation and content. Debriefings changed from physician-led discussions with a strong focus on medical content to conversations with more equal participation by nurses and physicians and more emphasis on teamwork and communication. The thematic analysis further showed how the conversation during debriefing changed and how interprofessional learning improved after the implementation of the guidelines. While power and hierarchy were more frequently discussed, for many facilitators these topics remained challenging to address.ConclusionWe successfully created and implemented guidelines for ISBTT facilitators to explicitly address hierarchy and power. Future work will explore how this approach to ISBTT impacts interprofessional collaboration in clinical practice.

Evaluating the impact of augmented reality on visual communication design education: Enhancing student motivation, achievement, interest, and engagement

Evaluating the impact of augmented reality on visual communication design education: Enhancing student motivation, achievement, interest, and engagement

Integrative analysis of Text-to-Image AI systems in architectural design education: pedagogical innovations and creative design implications

Integrative analysis of Text-to-Image AI systems in architectural design education: pedagogical innovations and creative design implications

Intelligent evaluation method for design education and comparison research between visualizing heat-maps of class activation and eye-movement

Intelligent evaluation method for design education and comparison research between visualizing heat-maps of class activation and eye-movement

Generative artificial intelligence tools for diverse learning styles in design education

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming design education by automating processes and enhancing learning. Early exposure to AI offers students a competitive edge in critical thinking and problem-solving. AI tools can inspire space planning, improve workflow, reduce cognitive load, and foster creativity. This study explores how the VARK model, which categorizes learning styles into Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic, influences student engagement with AI tools. In an interior design classroom study involving 32 sophomore students, AI tools were used to create floor plans and generate 3D images. The study assessed the correlation between learning styles and technology acceptance. Results revealed no strong correlations between individual learning styles and perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, or actual use of AI tools. However, visual and kinesthetic learners displayed higher engagement, suggesting that these modalities may benefit more from AI-enhanced design education. The study also confirmed that perceived ease of use and usefulness are critical factors in technology acceptance, aligning with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The findings suggest that AI tools can be broadly effective across diverse learning styles, with a universal perception of their utility in design education. This research highlights the potential of AI to support creative problem-solving and prepare students for future challenges in a digital design landscape. While learning styles influence engagement, AI tools’ usability and educational benefits are consistently recognized, demonstrating their transformative potential in design education.

Solo music performance assessment criteria: a systematic review.

Assessment is a crucial aspect of music performance. In pedagogical contexts, an effective assessment process can measure student achievement and inform instructional decisions that contribute to improving teaching and learning. However, music performance assessment is particularly challenging due to its inherent subjectivity, involving personal expression and interpretation, which can lead to divergent opinions. In this PRISMA systematic review (registration DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/CSM8Q), we aimed to delimit and analyze solo music performance assessment systems found in the literature to date, including their corresponding evaluation categories and descriptive criteria, rating methodology, and target audience. A search in three main scientific databases (Web of Science, Scopus, ERIC) was conducted using keywords associated with the topic of assessment in the field of solo music performance. Ultimately, 20 papers were selected and examined, resulting in 26 original assessment systems for analysis. Regarding sample characteristics, we found that studies mainly focused on evaluating high school and university students, with music teachers and faculty members serving as primary evaluators. Many assessment systems were designed to be applicable across various instruments, although some were tailored to specific instruments (e.g., piano, voice) and families (e.g., brass, woodwind). Systems typically structured evaluation around technical, interpretative/expressive, and various musical feature categories (e.g., pitch, rhythm, intonation), further elaborated with descriptive items. While five-point Likert scales were commonly used, recent studies indicated a shift towards rubrics for detailed feedback, which aids examiners' understanding and supports student progress. No differentiation was found in assessment criteria based on students' learning stages, suggesting an area for improvement in refining these assessment methods. This study identifies gaps and proposes improvements in existing assessment systems, providing a foundation for educators and policymakers to enhance curriculum design and instructional practices in music education.

Creativity in textile printing design: An integrative framework in design education

AbstractCreators, creation, and audience are the main pillars of the creative process. This study offers an integrative vision that includes the three main components of the creative process by proposing a seven-stage creativity framework in design education. To bridge the gap between theory and practice, the proposed framework was applied in a major textile design course at Damietta University in Egypt. The paper includes two questionnaire models for the recipients to evaluate the creative outputs and for the students to evaluate the applied framework in general. The study involves an analysis of the experiences and challenges encountered throughout the field application of the proposed framework. The results revealed new dimensions for evaluating creativity and fresh perspectives on the dynamics of the communication process between creators and recipients through their creations/designs. The study's findings could contribute to promoting creativity across the three pillars and advancing design thinking and design education.

The impact of cancer prevention education on the mental health of college students based on the difference-in-differences method.

Cancer, as the second leading cause of death worldwide, poses significant challenges to human health and socio-economic development. In recent years, the incidence of cancer has shown a trend toward younger populations, drawing attention to cancer prevention education among college students. However, research on the specific impact of cancer prevention education on the mental health of college students is limited. This study aims to explore the impact of cancer prevention education on the mental health of college students, revealing the mediating role of disease awareness and the moderating roles of psychological resilience and cultural differences. A difference-in-differences (DID) approach was used, involving 1,670 freshmen from a Chinese university, divided into an experimental group (n = 835) and a control group (n = 835). The experimental group received a semester-long cancer prevention education program. Data were collected monthly from November 2022 to June 2023 using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) and a custom Disease Awareness Scale. The study found a significant improvement in mental health scores among the experimental group, with an average increase of 14.738 points on the DASS-21 scale (p < 0.001), representing a 23% reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression levels compared to the control group. Disease awareness in the experimental group improved by 17%, as measured by the Disease Awareness Scale, with a mediation effect of 3.563 points (p < 0.001). Furthermore, psychological resilience and cultural differences moderated the impact of the education program, with those scoring higher in resilience showing an additional 8% improvement in mental health scores (moderation effect = 0.892, p < 0.001), and cultural differences accounting for a 5% variance (moderation effect = 0.756, p < 0.001) in the outcomes. This study demonstrates that systematic and scientific cancer prevention education has a significant positive impact on the mental health of college students. Universities should promote comprehensive and personalized health education strategies to improve disease awareness, foster psychological resilience, and emphasize cultural differences, thereby enhancing the overall physical and mental health of college students and promoting their holistic development. This finding provides important empirical support and theoretical basis for the design and implementation of health education in universities.

CiteSaga: Conceptualisation of a Serious Game for Citation and Reference Styles

This article asserts that serious games (SGs) are effective tools for teaching citation and referencing styles in higher education. The proposed SG aims to enhance students' understanding and application of these styles through an engaging, game-based approach. We use an agile design cycle combined with educational design and design science research methodologies. The SG's key elements include objectives, rules, mechanics, learning outcomes, and assessment strategies, all integrated into higher education curricula.

An exploration of teacher and school-based nurse perceptions of current HPV education offered to students 15-16 years old in post-primary schools in Northern Ireland, UK.

Human papillomavirus virus (HPV) is highest among young adults 15-24 years old. High-risk strains are responsible for the development of cancers including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, oropharyngeal and penile. Despite HPV school-based vaccination programmes in the UK, HPV vaccination uptake rates continue to fluctuate due to misinformation and vaccine hesitancy post COVID-19. The aim of this study is to explore perceptions of post-primary school teachers and nurses regarding the current HPV education provision and the need to provide HPV education to students 15-17 years old when they are most likely to be becoming sexually active. A qualitative study was conducted using online semi-structured interviews between February-August 2022 with post-primary teachers and nurses in Northern Ireland, UK. Stratified random sampling was used to contact schools to recruit participants. Recruitment continued until data saturation was reached. Braun & Clarke's six-phase framework for reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Twelve teachers and six nurses participated in the study. Four themes arose based on the analysis including 1) the importance of HPV education 2) self-consent to the HPV vaccine 3) design of the HPV education and 4) delivery of the HPV education. Identified barriers to implementation of HPV education included lack of parental education, religion and the conservative culture of Northern Ireland. Participants perceived HPV education to be poor or non-existent in their schools but placed high importance on this education. They indicated that a non-judgemental health professional would be the ideal person to deliver interactive HPV education as part of a mandated spiral curriculum. HPV education at 15-17 years old provides students with an opportunity to learn about their HPV risk, their HPV vaccination status and an opportunity to self-consent to the HPV vaccine. The Education Authority and Department of Health should support health professionals to deliver consistent robust HPV health information to students of this age.

Game Designers’ Experiences with Educational Game Design Elements: From Practice to Conception!

Educational game (EG) designing processes have adopted various processes and approaches over the last decades. While many articles report EG design elements that can potentially assist in effective EG design, not much research exists on whether game designers use/agree with those elements. In considering the aforementioned, the questions arise with game designers’ practices: how do they approach EG design elements in their process? Are there any core elements they include in their EG designing practices? Are there any other aspects that influence their EG designing process? Therefore, this paper reports on the above-addressed questions and how game designers and their experiences in designing EGs can present insightful gaming elements associated with EGs. Based in Australia, a phenomenological approach was adopted to conduct semi-structured interviews to gather the essence of their experiences. Seventeen game designer participants attended two-hour interview sessions. Interpretive thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes until saturation was achieved (Braun and Clarke 2012). The analysis was concurrently grounded through the concepts of the theory of experience, including continuity, interaction, situation, freedom, and desire which drives the purpose to apply and contextualize the growth of experience (Dewey 1938). In conclusion, an “Essential” Educational Game Elements (EGEs) framework is proposed with design elements collating all relevant elements/factors, necessary theories, and mechanics suggested by game designers for consideration in the design process as they have practiced. Lastly, researchers in educational/serious games are encouraged to consider the application of the proposed framework in designing EGs to further expand its limitations.

Play with Purpose: A Heuristic Approach to Evaluating Tabletop Serious Games for Academic Integrity Education

This article introduces a heuristic evaluation of CiteSaga, a tabletop serious game designed to enhance skills in referencing and citation, crucial for academic writing in higher education. We detail the application and outcomes of a novel heuristic evaluation framework tailored for tabletop serious games, dubbed "Play with Purpose." This framework is distinguished by its focus on eight essential categories: Learning Experience, Utility, Game Features, Social Dynamics, Adaptability, Learning and Feedback, Play Experience, and Accessibility, marking a significant contribution to the evaluation of non-digital game-based learning tools. Furthermore, we delve into the insights gained from participatory design sessions with students, aimed at evaluating CiteSaga's component appeal and game mechanics. The paper culminates in a discussion on how student feedback has informed subsequent iterations of CiteSaga, underscoring the critical role of heuristic evaluations in refining game-based learning experiences. Our findings not only advance understanding of empirical evaluation methodologies for tabletop serious games but also provide a valuable framework for future research and development in educational game design.