Design Thinking & Interior Design Process — Quick Notes

Design Thinking Process

  • Core stages: Understand (empathize), Observe/POV, Ideate, Prototype, Test; Storytelling, Pilot, Business Model, Inspiration, Implementation.
  • Nature: Design Thinking is a formal, active, non-linear method for practical, creative problem solving; requires critical and creative thinking.

Objectives and Methods

  • Objectives: Creative thinking; Critical thinking; Evidence-based Design (EBD); Biomimicry.
  • Focus: Be aware of common methods and tools used during the design process.

Key Terminology

  • Analysis: gather information, understand goals, research codes, define design criteria; data organized into content buckets.
  • Synthesis: review/prioritize content in buckets; curate and present clearly.
  • Divergent thinking: generate many possible solutions; open-ended, non-judgmental.
  • Convergent thinking: narrow to best feasible solutions; relies on quality information.
  • Note: Both divergent and convergent thinking rely on reasoning forms.

Reasoning Types

  • Abductive reasoning: educated guess based on what’s currently available; not concrete.
  • Inductive reasoning: more concrete; generalizes from specifics with more research; not guaranteed.
  • Deductive reasoning: highly accurate; conclusions follow from general premises or rules.

Design Thinking: Core Concept

  • Design thinking defines the problem first, then explores many options to solve it.
  • It is a formal method for creative resolution with many possible solutions; active, non-passive.
  • Critical and non-linear thinking are essential; design does not just happen—it is made.

History & Methodologies

  • Origin: Formal idea emerged in the 1950s; multiple methodologies exist.
  • IDEO (1991): Formalized as Inspiration, Ideation, Implementation.
    • Client POV: originate → focus → design → build → occupy.
    • Designer POV: programming/pre-design → schematic design → design development → construction documentation → contract administration.
    • Storytelling: using design elements to evoke emotions and convey a brand/inhabitants’ essence.

Stanford d.school (2005) & Methodology

  • Original 5-part method: Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test.
  • Expanded to 8 parts:
    1) Navigate Ambiguity
    2) Learn from Others (People & Contexts)
    3) Synthesize Information
    4) Rapidly Experiment
    5) Move Between Concrete and Abstract
    6) Build and Craft Intentionally
    7) Communicate Deliberately
    8) Design your Design Work

Design Thinking: 8 Abilities (Expanded View)

  • Move between concrete and abstract (stakeholders, features, goals)
  • Build and Craft Intentionally (level of resolution, feedback)
  • Communicate Deliberately (stories, concepts, reflections, learnings)
  • Design your Design Work (recognize project as design problem; select tools/processes; develop new techniques)

Design Process in Interior Design

  • Five major phases: Programming; Schematic Design (conceptual, space planning, aesthetic direction); Design Development; Contract Documentation (FF&E, drawings, specs); Contract Administration (construction).
  • Design thinking is embedded in all phases.
  • Visuals often show linear vs. cyclical nature of the process (pre-design-through-occupation).

Design Process: Programming (Interior Design)

  • Sources: Literary, Academic, Newspapers/Magazines, Personal reports.
  • Methods: Interview, Surveys, Observation, Behavior mapping, Field study.
  • Data: Factual, Quantifiable data (e.g., census, codes).

Evidence Based Design (EBD)

  • Definition: Basing design decisions on credible research to achieve best outcomes.
  • Uses qualitative and quantitative evidence from dependable resources and guidelines.
  • Goal: Improve the performance of the enterprise.

Design Process: Biomimicry

  • Biomimicry: Design inspired by nature; strengthens human-environment connection.
  • Three components:
    • Emulate: Learn from nature’s forms, processes, ecosystems to create regenerative designs.
    • Ethos: Understand how life works and design to support life.
    • (Re)Connect: Recognize we are part of nature and value our place in ecosystems.
  • Biomimicry Institute: https://biomimicry.org/what-is-biomimicry/

Regenerative Design

  • Aims beyond sustainability: restore/renew energy sources; net-positive impact on ecology, health, and society.
  • System thinking: all key processes within an organization are interrelated and sum to more than its parts.

Examples of Biomimicry in Design

  • Notable cases include Shinkansen (kingfisher-inspired), sharklet antibacterial textures, Speedo-inspired swimwear, velcro from burrs, aircraft design inspired by bird wings, etc. (examples listed in provided material).

Biomimicry in Architecture (Resources)

  • Various online resources and case studies linked in the provided material.

Design Process: Documentation & Specs

  • Construction documents and interior design specs provide finished details, finishes, fixtures, and procurement data.
  • Example: interior design spec sheets include room name, finishes, unit names, costs, quantities, installation details, etc.

Design Process: Contract Administration

  • Activities include weekly project meetings, walkthroughs, procurement, installation, reviewing submittals, and handling change orders.

Quick Summary: Design Process Overview

  • Pre-design → Programming → Site Analysis → Design → Schematic Design → Design Development → Construction Documents → Construction → Bidding → Construction Administration.
  • Design thinking is iterative, collaborative, and situated to improve future outcomes through experimentation and learning.

Additional Resources

  • Center for Health Design (EBD) and related credentials.
  • Biomimicry Institute and related case studies.
  • Notable online videos and lectures on biomimicry in architecture.