A Learning Model for an Innovative Live Design Project (ILDP) based on IC-PBL

Abstract

Background In accordance with the new technological paradigm, an educational methodology to improve 'future capabilities' is necessary in the field of design education. The purpose of this study is to develop a learning model for innovation through industry-academia cooperation by grafting the concept of IC-PBL onto design methodologies and design processes. Another purpose is to evaluate the field applicability of the learning model by implementing the model-based project.

Methods First, as for the research method, a learning model for ILDP (Innovative Live Design Project) was derived by grafting the design process onto the concept of IC-PBL. Second, a syllabus based on the model was presented, and the live design project was in the actual course. Third, through a questionnaire with 11 students who participated in the course, data on the field suitability of the model were derived. Three corporate executives and professors evaluated the innovativeness of the students’ design outcomes.

Results The level of understanding and the difficulty of activities were shown to be high, exceeding the average values. Positive factors included ‘experience in actual company works’ and ‘experience in the feedback of persons in charge of actual work’. In addition, for the evaluation of innovativeness, there were opinions that the viewpoint of problem solutions was remarkable, and the design outcomes were judged to have innovativeness. However, time allocation caused by continuous feedback of clients showed as a factor of the problem, which should be improved as highly satisfactory through the refinement of time allocation of the decision-making process.

Conclusions The experiences gained from the practice based live project show that the learning model was appropriate in aspects of the field suitability. Also, the reflections through industry linked courses improve students not only to be more responsible future practitioners but also to produce innovative outcomes. Therefore, the ILDP based learning model can be regarded as a suitable application to the field of design education and useful in deriving innovative outcomes required by companies.