Uncertainty, reflection, and designer identity development. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tracey, Monica W.; Hutchinson, Alisa
• Is Part Of: Design studies. Volume 42(2016)
• Page Start: 86
• Page End: 109
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: professional identity -- design education -- design processes -- reflective practice -- design research; Design -- Periodicals; 745.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.destud.2015.10.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-694X

Abstract

Abstract : Uncertainty is a defining quality of the design space and it stands to reason that designers' personal attitudes toward uncertainty may influence design processes and outcomes via cognitive, affective, and/or behavioral channels. Individual attitudes and behavior patterns related to uncertainty may constitute a critical element of designer identity, which represents the synthesis of knowledge, action, and being. This qualitative study examined how graduate students in an instructional design course reflected on their experiences and beliefs regarding uncertainty. Participants were more reflective when discussing a general experience with uncertainty than their current attitudes toward uncertainty in design. Findings support the use of narrated reflection in design education related to uncertainty and identity. Implications for design education interventions and design are discussed. Highlights: This study positions uncertainty orientation as an element of designer identity. The study examines reflection for identity development in relation to uncertainty. Participants achieved higher levels of reflection when discussing a general experience. Participants consistently failed to attend to emotional aspects of uncertainty. Some participants altered their uncertainty orientation when reconsidering the topic later.