Shaheen_2018.pdf (6.8 MB)
A qualitative investigation to develop Interior Design pedagogy that foster students' creativity
thesis
posted on 2023-08-30, 15:46 authored by Roba Z. ShaheenThis research seeks to develop interior design education by building a new pedagogical
theory and practice that helps educators to foster students’ creativity. A new paradigm has
been developed to determine students’ personality types inspired by Myers Brigs Type
Indicators. This research focused on creativity as a personal characteristic because
creativity is a fundamental quality required by all interior designers.
The methodology adopted was a qualitative research approach using the Grounded
Theory research paradigm to build an independent theory and practice in the field.
Ethnographic observation in studios across three higher education institutions was the first
method of collecting data. The focus was to observe students’ interactions, attitudes and
behaviours with educators and peers, in order to understand the dynamic of the studio
culture from different perspectives. Semi-structured interviews were the second method
used to collect detailed explanations from the twenty-three participating students’
regarding their perceptions, personality types, and thinking styles in relation to creativity.
Ten participating educators were interviewed on their perceptions of studio strategy,
students’ creativity, and design thinking. Constructive interpretive analysis was used to
analyse the data thematically and holistically in relation to the research aims and
questions.
The findings show a significant relationship between personality type, thinking style and
creativity, which has great potential for pedagogical development. Building from this
empirical finding, a new theory is adumbrated named: Personal Thinking Creative Design
Theory. This emphasises the notion that creative designing (product or process) is based
upon the individual designer’s qualities (personality type, thinking style and implicit
meanings and values). Based on this theory, a pedagogical model is proposed that can be
used creatively by interior design educators to help them understand their students and
thereby foster their creativity.
History
Institution
Anglia Ruskin UniversityFile version
- Accepted version
Language
- eng
Thesis name
- PhD
Thesis type
- Doctoral