FROM CLUTTER TO BUTTER: INGREDIENTS FOR IMPROVING MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM-BASED DESIGN EDUCATION IN A LAB CONTEXT

In this paper a linear, human-centered design approach with three main elements (Research, Create and Design) has been evaluated by students who followed this process for 20 weeks as members of multidisciplinary design teams in a lab context. Results of the evaluation in combination with insights from recent literature illustrate the components or 'ingredients' of an improved design process. This new process, "The Design Cycle", aims at improving motivation and enhancing learning and transfer between the different phases, for both individual members and the multidisciplinary design team. More control over pace allows students to decide how long they need to spend on each phase. An iterative cycle (instead of a linear cycle) of the different phases enhances variability of practice, which enhances learning (of design) and learning transfer. Additionally, using the working framework Scrum provides the necessary structure and facilitates the freedom for a multidisciplinary design team and its members to direct their own path. Additionally, sprints and other Scrum rituals can engage team members to work more effectively and transfer knowledge with more ease between the different phases.