Enhancing design method training with insights from educational research–improving and evaluating a training course for a qualitative modelling method

Abstract

Abstract This study presents an approach for identification and elimination of challenges in modelling in embodiment design. These challenges can be caused either by the modelling method or the corresponding training course. To investigate the efficacy of a modelling method, first challenges of the corresponding training course need to be addressed. The study is conducted at a training course of the modelling method of the Contact and Channel Approach. A situation analysis of the training course is conducted in three application with 45 participants. Based on the findings, the training course is improved through application of insights from educational research that correspond to the identified challenges. A concluding evaluation takes place with 20 participants. The improvement of the training course takes place based on identification of challenges in the four areas of didactic elements, content structure, visualization and practical modelling in evaluations. Modularization is needed for purposeful training of different target groups. An issue regarding the practical modelling indicates a clearer view on the efficacy of the modelling method. Article highlights Identification of challenges in a training course for qualitative modelling in embodiment design through free text evaluation in three applications. Clustering of the evaluation results enabled identification of suitable findings from educational research to eliminate challenges in the training course. Conflicts of objectives regarding content and time can be addressed by modularization, however, this increases the effort needed for investigations.