Understanding Competence Acquisition in Design: An Analysis of the Conceptual Foundation of Design Ability

Abstract

The subject of this study is the conceptual foundation of the design abilities acquired and developed during undergraduate education. The aim is to examine and understand the maturation and structure of competence acquisition based on this foundation. The subject-oriented attitude of this work to analyze competence acquisition through design abilities turns it into a study focusing on the designer. This perspective, and the way the designer is assessed, is based on categorizing his/her abilities without using measurements and equalization instruments, such as thresholds and criteria. Focusing on the phenomenon of competence acquisition gained during undergraduate education, this study aimed to benefit from phenomenological research and reach the essence of this phenomenon using techniques such as epoche and reduction, and by focusing on the direct experience of competence. Within this main methodological approach, a small, focused sample was selected. In-depth interviews were conducted with the participants, recorded, and transcribed. The data generated were analyzed using thematic analysis. Codes, subsets, clusters and themes were generated, but only those that reflected a data reduction status of a sufficient level of comprehensiveness were interpreted and discussed. The themes and clusters presented refer to the conceptual foundation of design abilities. It is envisaged that this foundation constitutes a context for a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of competence acquisition.