Title: The identification of design experts

Authors: Joseph Defazio

Addresses: IUPUI 535 W. Michigan Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA

Abstract: Architectural designers, engineering designers, and instructional designers engage in the design process when developing new products. In the area of design, an accomplished designer must possess a high degree of expertise in order to design and produce quality products. Previous research has demonstrated that much of the empirical research in design not only ignores expertise but has actually been carried out by studying novice designers. An expert designer is someone recognised to be a reliable source of knowledge who has demonstrated proven abilities, skills, and judgment in a given discipline or field. Understanding these characteristics is the key to opening the door to new knowledge in the design process. This study examines criteria that elevate a designer to a level of expertise and offers a model to assist in the identification of a design expert.

Keywords: architectural design; design process; design research; engineering design; expert designers; instructional design; design experts; expert identification; product design.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2008.018778

Journal of Design Research, 2008 Vol.7 No.1, pp.84 - 96

Published online: 17 Jun 2008 *

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