Intro to Interior Design: Critical Thinking Skills and Design Process

Flashcards covering definitions, terminology, team organization, critical thinking, design process steps, and evaluation criteria from Module 01.

What is the formal definition of Interior Design?

The science and art of planning, specifying, selecting and organizing the surface finishes, treatments, colour and materials including furniture, furnishings and fixtures and other interior design elements for the purpose of interior space allocations to suit, enhance and meet the intended function, movement and character for which the interior of the building is designed.

How is Interior Space defined in interior design terminology?

An area inside a building or room with respect to design and decoration, the purpose, function and dimensions of which, is prescribed in the contract documents.

What does Space Planning involve?

Researches, analyses and plan/design translations of interior spatial requirements based on codal requirements and space planning standards, including space programs/plans, stacking diagrams, connectivity and access, satisfaction of organic and sustainable design requirements, and furniture and equipment layouts.

What scope of work is included in the Programming phase?

Conducting research; identifying and analyzing client requirements; evaluating existing documentation and conditions; assessing project resources and limitations; identifying life safety and relevant codal requirements; and developing project schedule and budgets.

What is the primary characteristic of the Schematic Design phase?

It is the first step taken to have a realistic understanding of what is to be built, where drawings and sketches are not as technical as in the design development phase.

What is required during the Design Development phase?

More material details and giving a clear idea of the spatial relationships.

What are Construction Documents?

Final drawings created after all design ideas presented during the design development phase have been approved, which are used during physical construction.

What does FF&E stand for, and what does it encompass?

Furniture, Furnishings and Equipment; it encompasses the design, selection, specification, color coordination, and procurement documentation of required items necessary to meet functional, operational, sustainability, safety, and aesthetic requirements of users.

How is critical thinking defined for students in this course?

Questioning and learning with an open mind, weighing up different arguments and perspectives, and using evidence to form one's own opinions, arguments, theories, and ideas.

What is the nature of the Design Process?

A cyclical, iterative process in which a sequence of careful analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of available information, insights, and possible solutions is repeated until a successful fit between what exists and what is desired is achieved.

What three core phases form the design process cycle?

Analyze (Analysis), Synthesize (Synthesis), and Evaluate (Evaluation).

What are the eight sequential steps in the Design Process?

1. Define Problem, 2. Formulate Program, 3. Develop Concept, 4. Assess Alternatives & Make Design Decisions, 5. Make Design Decisions, 6. Develop and Refine Design, 7. Implement Design, 8. Reevaluate Completed Design.

What tasks are involved in Step 1 (Define Problem) of the Design Process?

Identifying client needs (who, what, when, where, how, why) and setting preliminary goals (functional requirements, aesthetic image and style, psychological stimulus and meaning).

What does Analysis entail during Step 2 (Formulate Program)?

Breaking down the problem into parts, clarifying issues, assigning values to aspects of the problem, and gathering relevant information to understand the nature of the problem and develop appropriate responses.

According to this diagram, what are the four sequential steps in processing data during program formulation?

Collect Information -> Organize Data -> Interpret Data -> Summarize Data.

What three core questions guide program formulation when examining a project?

What exists?, What is desired?, and What is possible?

According to this diagram, what is the decision loop when testing predictions against hypotheses?

From Observations to Hypothesis to Predictions: if consistent, formulate theory; if not consistent, modify hypothesis.

What occurs during Step 3 (Develop Concept) through Synthesis?

Brainstorming ideas, drafting a concise concept statement, and developing schematic designs to establish major functional and spatial relationships.

What is involved in Step 4 (Assess Alternatives) during Evaluation?

Comparing each alternative with design goals, weighing benefits and strengths against costs and liabilities, ranking alternatives in terms of suitability and effectiveness, and testing/refining ideas.

What actions take place during Step 5 (Make Design Decisions)?

Combining the best design elements into the final design, making preliminary material, furniture, and lighting selections, and preparing a presentation for client feedback and preliminary approval.

What tasks are performed during Step 8 (Reevaluate Completed Design)?

Soliciting client feedback and performing a post-occupancy evaluation.

According to the lecture notes, under what four conditions may a design be judged as good?

If it functions well (works), if it is affordable (economical, efficient, durable), if it looks good (aesthetically pleasing), and if it recreates a feeling remembered from another time and place (carries meaning).

In the Design and Construction Team diagram shown, which entity directly connects to the Architect, Construction Manager, and Contractor?

The Owner/Client.