Design Professionals Research Articles

Design professionals’ awareness and engagement in design for adaptability (DfA) practices

Purpose Design issues are one of the factors contributing to waste production in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI). Design for adaptability (DfA) is a construction approach that provides buildings with adaptive capabilities during the design phase. It facilitates easy modification, with no or limited demolition, waste reduction, sustainable construction and circularity. However, as to whether design professionals operating in the GCI are aware of this concept and its benefits and whether they consider some of its practices in the designs they produce are something that is yet to be ascertained. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the awareness and engagement of DfA practices among design professionals in the GCI. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a quantitative research approach to retrieve responses from 236 design professionals (i.e. architects and civil/structural engineers) via survey questionnaires. The data retrieved from the respondents were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Findings The findings revealed that the design professionals were moderately aware of the concept of DfA. Notwithstanding this moderate level of awareness, the design professionals’ frequency of engagement in DfA practices was high, and factors such as profession, experience and type of firms they worked in, among others, did not influence their level of engagement in DfA practices. Originality/value This study pioneers research on DfA implementation in the GCI. It highlights design professionals’ awareness and engagement in adaptability practices, thereby revealing gaps in knowledge, encouraging sustainable design and promoting resilience in architecture, which could ultimately contribute to a future-proofing built environment in Ghana.

Perceptions of generative AI in the architectural profession in Egypt: opportunities, threats, concerns for the future, and steps to improve

Abstract Generative AI has seen significant advances, particularly in text-to-image, with the potential to revolutionize industries, especially in creative fields such as art and design. This innovation is especially important in architecture, where idea visualization is critical. Text-to-image tools, a form of generative AI, enable architects and designers to visually bring their concepts to life. The study explores the impact of prompt-based AI generation on architecture, asking whether it is enhancing efficiency, creativity, and sustainability or threatening to replace architects. To address concerns about the role of AI in the profession, the research examines the perceptions of architecture professionals in Egypt. The authors conducted a survey and interviews with industry experts to assess the transformative impacts of AI on architecture. The findings reveal a strong awareness of AI's potential to enhance design quality and project outcomes, although some concerns about job prospects and control over AI outputs persist. Small firms view AI as vital for optimizing operations and attracting clients. Overall, AI shows promise in conceptualization and visualization, enhancing creativity and efficiency, with architects needing to adapt to AI as a tool for innovation rather than a competitor. Finally, the study proposes a roadmap for improving the use of AI in architecture.

Artificial Intelligence in Graphic Design Processes: The Impact Analysis and Challenges

Abstract The integration of Artificail Intelligence (AI, henceforth) in graphic design is more than just a revolution; it is an era-defining transformational wave that has completely altered the way things are done in the creative industry. This piece of research explores the broad impacts that AI has on graphic design— from being able to take care of repetitive tasks without any fuss all the way to helping designers discover new horizons in their creativity. It even looks into personalization through a comprehensive review that includes current AI technologies as well as literature and case studies available. We consider both sides when we talk about what role AI can play for us: opportunities it brings along with challenges we might face because of its implementation. Through a background review and analysis of current AI applications and tools, the study will highlight the potential benefits, challenges, and ethical issues associated with integrating AI into graphic design. The goal of this study is to help graphic design professionals make informed decisions about using AI in their work and shed light on the changing graphic design landscape and the impact that AI integration will have. The results of this study indicate that AI has a dual role to play in the field of design — while making design capabilities available to the masses, it also stirs up discussions on ethics through issues like whether automation can lead to job displacements or not? and where does one draw a line on creativity? As we draw our attention towards navigating through this constantly evolving landscape which is now being powered by AI at every step, let us try to understand how these technologies are not just changing production methodologies but redefining what art stands for, especially at a time like ours, when we find ourselves deep into this digital age.

National Survey on Essential Communication Skills to Address Language Demands in Canadian Nursing Practice.

To identify key communication skills for Canadian nursing practice. Quantitative research using a nationwide survey. Exploratory confirmatory factor analysis was used to identify factors underlying key communication skills required for nursing practice. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine differences across demographic variables, designations, roles and settings. Dimensions of effective communication skills were identified. Demographic and contextual variables showed some impact on the perceived importance of communication skills, but low variance suggested that language demands are relatively consistent across roles and settings. A framework describing the communication demands for Canadian nursing practice is described, contributing to the development of tailored curricula, assessments and policies. Focusing on communication skills ensures that nurses are equipped to deliver safe healthcare and interact effectively with patients and colleagues, potentially leading to improved health outcomes. To our knowledge, this study is the first to develop a framework for communication skills and identify key language skill factors across nursing professional designations and practice settings. The research provides a framework for developing curricula and training programmes that focus on essential communication skills. No patient or public contribution.

I am Not Stupid! My Struggle with Diversity in the Interior Design Profession

Throughout my career in architecture and interior design (A&D), I have encountered experiences that have evoked both love and frustration for the profession. My journey, profoundly personal yet potentially relatable to other marginalized A&D professionals, is a testament to resilience and strategic defiance in the face of exclusion. I am now sharing my experiences publicly for the first time to contribute to the discourse on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our profession and break a taboo. As a professional and a fellow human who has felt the sting of exclusion and the power of resilience, I hope to inspire others facing similar challenges.

Writing for humanizing transformative professional learning and development

ABSTRACT This multiple case study with US English language arts teachers was designed to understand writing teacher professional learning and development (PLD) through a humanising lens, considering the whole person rather than only the professional development content or design. Research questions explored experiences that contributed to teachers’ decisions to participate and stay engaged in a year-long PLD, in this socio-political moment, and how issues of responsibility, relationality, power, and ethics were experienced. We found humanising PLD infused with writing as both content and method builds professional networks, fosters shifts in teaching-learning power dynamics, sustains teachers, and is an act of resistance against push-out politics. In the discussion, we provide a model of Writing for Humanising Transformative PLD for teacher educators to support the continued survivance of teachers across the disciplines.

Healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections: a cross-sectional study in a rehabilitation facility.

Healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections: a cross-sectional study in a rehabilitation facility.

The effects of professional design training on urban public space perception: A virtual reality study with physiological and psychological measurements

The effects of professional design training on urban public space perception: A virtual reality study with physiological and psychological measurements

Exploration and Practice of the Construction of Art Design Training Base under the Background of Digital Technology

With the continuous development of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, interaction design, and 5G, digital technology has brought infinite creative possibilities to art and design. The article focuses on the construction of the art and design training base at Zhejiang Vocational and Technical College of Commerce, which is supported by the central government. Starting from the construction concept, content, teaching mode, curriculum reform, teaching team, and management of the training base, the article conducts in-depth research and proposes innovative ideas, which play a demonstrative role in the construction of art and design training bases and the cultivation of art and design professionals under the background of digital technology.

Assessment of emotional eating disorders in dental students and professionals of a dental college in North India

The primary intent of this study was to provide valuable insights into the perception of stress and emotional eating patterns associated with acute and chronic stress events experienced by dental professionals during their academic tenure, as academicians, or in dental practice. A total of 404 subjects i.e. 316 Females and 88 Males participated in the study. With the maximum being undergraduate dental students, the study sample comprised post-graduates and teachers. Apart from socio-demographic details, the survey included the Perceived Stress Scale and the Emotional Eater Questionnaire. The results showed that the mediated effect of perceived stress on emotional eating was statistically significant across all age groups (p = 0.023), for both genders (p = 0.001), and among various categories of dental professionals (p = 0.013). The research highlighted that females experienced higher stress and emotional eating levels than males. However, age and professional designation did not significantly influence these behaviours at the individual level.

Incorporating Life Cycle Assessment and Uncertainties in Early Building Design: A Case Study Using Leaf Cutter Ant

To mitigate the impact of the climate, there is an advantage in incorporating climate calculations for design alternatives early in the design process. However, there is a need for tools dedicated to providing climate feedback on design sketches in the early design stages. A main actor in this stage is the architect. It is therefore beneficial if the toolchain already used by architects can be adapted to provide the necessary decision support for climate optimized design. For this purpose, a software tool called LCAnt version 0.2.2 was developed. This tool assists in determining amounts of materials from volume sketches in Rhino using a novel method for estimating the load-bearing structure and connecting it to an existing life cycle assessment database through Grasshopper. A real-life case study was used to demonstrate and evaluate how this type of tool can be applied in early design stages. This study was expanded by exploring strategies for managing uncertainties naturally present in these early design stages. This work demonstrates how to incorporate uncertainty evaluation into the early building design phase to obtain higher-quality decision support for low-climate-impact buildings. The uncertainty evaluation will at the same time identify in which stage important decisions regarding layout and material choices should be made to minimize the climate impacts of the finished building. Combining this with the studied tool LCAnt, which adapts to the workflow of professional building design, will facilitate implementation.

Architectural practice process and artificial intelligence – an evolving practice

Abstract In an era of exponential technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in architecture, reshaping traditional design and construction practices. This article explores the multifaceted roles of AI in the architectural process, emphasizing its potential to enhance creativity and efficiency while addressing its limitations in capturing multisensory and experiential dimensions of space. Historically, architectural innovation has paralleled technological progress, from basic tools to advanced computer-aided design systems. However, the integration of AI presents unique challenges, requiring architects to critically evaluate its role in design. A narrative review methodology was adopted, focusing on academic sources selected for their relevance, recency, and credibility. The findings reveal that AI is increasingly integrated across various stages of the architectural process, from early conceptualization and site analysis to generative design and construction detailing. AI tools excel at automating repetitive tasks and generating innovative design solutions, freeing architects to focus on creativity and problem-solving. Additionally, AI’s (text-to-image) visual representation strength challenges the ocular-centric approaches in architecture, which should push future architects to address the holistic sensory and experiential qualities of space or the critical thinking inherent to architectural design. While AI offers transformative potential, architects must view it as a collaborative partner rather than a passive tool. Integrating AI into design paradigms that prioritize sensory richness, critical thought, and sustainability is essential for creating spaces that resonate on a deeper, more human level. By adopting a balanced relationship between human creativity and AI’s computational power, the architectural profession can benefit from this technological opportunity without compromising its core values.

Developing Systemic Thinking Skills: Design-Based Research of One-Page Tools for Public Managers

Abstract A design-based research study on the development of one-page tools to support systemic thinking in public managers is presented. Study participants included public managers of social and human service agencies within government or nonprofit organizations, as learners for whom the tools were designed; and instructional design professionals, offering expert opinions regarding the design of tools for adult learners. The design process consisted of generating ideas, visualizing ideas and developing prototypes of the tools. Formative assessments of tool prototypes were conducted in several small online focus groups, sharing specific tools to be used within the context of specific management practices, such as collaboration, culture development or evaluation of the organization as a system. In this article, we discuss the context surrounding our designs, the process used to design systemic thinking tools, experiences of a one-page tool design using design stories and lessons learned from design failures encountered during formative assessment. This study contributes to the body of educational design research by emphasizing the large learning gains achieved through the design of simple one-page tools.

Identifying Cultural Perceptions by Nature Language Processing Method: Differences of Historical Gardens and Urban Parks in Suzhou, China

Historical gardens, as important components of urban green spaces, have ecological, social, and significant historical heritage value. Urban residents develop close connections with nature, culture, and historical elements through landscape perception behavior in their daily activities, leading to different preferences and value judgments. However, it is still necessary to conduct in-depth research to explore whether there are differences in cultural perception and preferences between historical gardens and newly built parks during residents’ daily visits. To fill these gaps, this research utilized user-generated contents and natural language processing method focuses on a sample of 40 historical gardens and newly built parks in Suzhou, China, to address the following three research questions: (1) Which elements do park visitors perceive more strongly in historical gardens and new parks? (2) Is there a correlation between the cultural perception preferences and the attributes of the gardens and parks? (3) What are the sentimental preferences of visitors between historical gardens and new parks? The research findings reveal that cultural and aesthetic perception is more pronounced in historical gardens compared to newly built parks, while the latter places greater emphasis on the perception of natural features. Additionally, attribute features of parks, such as area, perimeter, and public transportation facilities, equally impact visitors’ landscape perception. This study distinguished the cultural perception and preference characteristics of urban residents in historical gardens and new parks, providing urban managers and urban green space planning and design professionals with more experience in areas such as the preservation and renovation of urban historical landscapes.

Rainfall variability and trends in western Amhara: implication for sustainable water management and agricultural productivity

ABSTRACT Currently, climate change is one of the major challenges facing the global population. Rainfall variability and its unpredictable trends pose significant challenges to water resource management and agricultural productivity in western Amhara, Ethiopia. This study investigated the spatial distribution and temporal trends of rainfall using time-series rainfall data from the Enhancing National Climate Services (ENACTS) from 1991 to 2020. Rainfall variability was assessed using the coefficient of variation, precipitation concentration index (PCI), and standardized anomaly index (SAI). Mann-Kendall and Sen's slope estimator tests were also employed for rainfall trend analysis. The results show that high annual rainfall occurred during the Kiremt (wet) season, and high rainfall variability occurred during the Bega (dry) season in all rainfall grid points over the study area. SAI also witnessed the presence of inter-annual variability of rainfall with negative and positive anomalies in 46.7 and 53.3% of the reference years, respectively. Trend analysis results showed an overall non-significant increasing trend in the annual and seasonal rainfall (except Bega) during the study period. Hence, this study provides information about the spatial distribution of rainfall at different timescales, and it is crucial for water resource planners and design professionals in urban drainage, bridges, dams, and agricultural sectors.

Impact of VR sketching on novice designers’ cognitive actions in product conceptual design

ABSTRACT Sketching is a useful method in conceptual design, but traditional sketching only supports the designer's visual representation to a certain extent. This paper evaluated the impact of virtual reality (VR) sketching on the cognitive actions of novice product designers during the conceptual design process. Protocol analysis of retrospective reports was utilized to encode the design actions, comparing the differences in cognitive actions among VR sketching, traditional sketching, and tablet sketching among eight novice product designers. Additionally, this study analyzed the effects of proficiency with VR sketching tools on designers’ cognitive actions and examined the differences between novice and professional designers in their use of VR sketching tools. The results indicated that VR sketching enhanced the designer's spatial perception, facilitated unexpected discoveries and transformed overall thinking style. Furthermore, higher proficiency with VR sketching tools reduced the cognitive load of designers and further enhanced design performance. These findings suggest the significance of VR sketching in the conceptual design process and its potential contribution to the development of VR-based teaching environments in product design education.

Big data and urban form: a systematic review

The study of urban form as a central interest of architects, planners, and urban designers has faced various challenges over time, affecting the representation of this topic in the research, educational, and practical arenas. Recently, with the actualization of big data, the study of urban form is going under change as well, where these technological advancements present both the great potential for urban form analysis, understanding, modelling, simulation, and even imagination, and a challenge for the profession of architecture and urbanism itself, which must come to grips with the growing field of big data research. This paper delves into the significance of urban form as a composition of the ground plan (streets, blocks, plots, and buildings), building fabric, land and building utilization, and social structure, explicitly emphasizing unfolding the complexities concerning big data. The central method used in the research is the systematic literature review applied to investigate the interrelation between urban form and big data. The research follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol by systematizing recent research from the Web of Science (WOS) database. The paper aims to structure knowledge into a coherent framework, reveal relationships and patterns, create a valuable classification for future research, and identify gaps within the research field. The main results should contribute to painting the overall picture of the research landscape on big data and urban form.

Mapping the Terrain: Strategies for Building Effective University Financial Planning Programs

ABSTRACTThis paper explores factors influencing the success of financial planning programs in higher education. It can be used as a guide in the development of a financial planning program. Using a mixed methods approach, the study combines a comprehensive survey of past and present CFP‐Board registered program directors and in‐depth qualitative insights from the authors' own experiences. The survey encompasses demographics, competition participation, job placement, and perceived administrative support. Key elements of a successful program such as curriculum design, student engagement activities, diversity initiatives, faculty recruitment, and institutional support are discussed. Experiential learning opportunities, outreach efforts for diverse talent, and networking events emerge as critical factors in a successful program. Insights from program directors emphasize the importance of ongoing curriculum development aligned with professional trends, interdisciplinary perspectives, and real‐world case studies. Challenges include resource constraints and faculty staffing. The findings offer insights for program directors, faculty, students, administrators, and other professional designation programs to enhance program quality, diversity, and impact, serving the needs of students and the broader community. The findings provide an outline for other professional programs (i.e., CFA or CPA) in how to design, implement, and run a successful program.

El proceso de creación de la Biblioteca Interseccional de Imágenes Uruguayas

This article discusses methodological aspects and reflections on a project that is currently being developed: The creation of the Intersectional Library of Uruguayan Images, a bank of images featuring non-hegemonic characters. One of the library’s goals is to serve as a public resource for architecture and design professionals. The research question arises from the automatic and uncritical use of corporalities and poses that conform to representations based on stereotypes and imported images. The question is far from being solved with new technologies. It includes biases and automatic assumptions that need to be made visible by focusing on the production of meaning, considering that certain sectors of society are currently excluded from all visual representation in significant spaces of public life. The study incorporates surveys and analyses of the digital platforms most commonly used by design professionals in Uruguay, considering gender, generation, rights-based, and diversity perspectives to detect and overcome the problem. The work team comprises teachers and students from the Faculty of Architecture, Design, and Urbanism of Udelar. The images for the repository are produced using participatory design methodologies, with the essential contribution of activists and social groups.

A biomechanics-oriented study on the impact of AIGC on user interaction and ergonomics in visual communication design

This study investigates the biomechanical implications and ergonomic impacts of AI-generated content (AIGC) integration in visual communication design workflows. Through a comprehensive analysis of 23 professional designers in Chengdu, China, we examined the physical stress patterns, user interaction dynamics, and overall ergonomic outcomes when transitioning from traditional to AIGC-assisted design processes. The research employed a mixed-method approach combining quantitative biomechanical measurements with qualitative user experience assessments over 12 weeks. Results revealed significant reductions in muscle activity across key muscle groups, with the upper trapezius showing the most significant decrease (−3.6% MVC, p < 0.001) during AIGC-assisted tasks. This change in muscle activity can be further linked to alterations in the body's postural stability and load distribution, which are core considerations in biomechanics. Movement efficiency metrics, which are inherently related to biomechanical performance, demonstrated a 27.9% reduction in task completion time (p < 0.001) and a 33.3% decrease in design iterations. Quality assessment scores improved across all dimensions, with Creative Innovation showing the highest enhancement (+1.8 points, p < 0.001). User satisfaction metrics indicated significant improvements, with consistent gains of 1.1 points (on a 5-point scale) across all measured dimensions (p < 0.001). Notably, the study identified distinct adaptation patterns between novice and experienced users in terms of their biomechanical responses. Experienced users demonstrated significantly faster response times in AIGC prompt input (8.94 ± 1.87 s vs 18.62 ± 3.15 s, p < 0.001), which can be associated with differences in their neuromuscular coordination and motor learning abilities. While AIGC integration initially increased certain types of errors (+51.2% in input errors), it led to substantial reductions in tool misuse (−40.4%) and design revisions (−39.9%). These findings suggest that AIGC integration can significantly reduce physical stress while improving design efficiency and quality outcomes, all of which are intertwined with the biomechanical functioning of the body during the design process. The research provides evidence-based recommendations for optimizing AIGC implementation in professional design workflows, taking into account the biomechanical and ergonomic factors that contribute to the overall well-being and creative productivity. This study has important implications for software development, workplace health policies, and the future direction of AI-assisted creative work, as it highlights the significance of considering biomechanics in the integration of advanced technologies within creative domains.