Ways to Encourage Reflection on Design Methodology and Professional Practice

Reflection is not only an integral part of designing, it is also a powerful instrument to enhance learning and improve one’s strategies. It is argued that in order to enable design students to critically analyse their own approach and become reflective practitioners, they not only need regular practice in the studio critiques but also a theoretical framework against which to reflect. As part of a mandatory Master level course on design theory and methodology students were required to interview design professionals or students from related disciplines on topics of the course and analyse these in relation to the literature. The analysis of reflective comments from 126 student assignments showed that students became more aware of their own process, appreciated the theoretical framework, and could relate to how topics of the course were relevant issues in practice. Implications for educational provision to encourage reflection are discussed.