https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/ Journal of Design Thinking en daily 1 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_107266.html It is my pleasure to present this issue of the Journal of Design Thinking (JDT). As a platform dedicated to advancing scholarship in design, creativity, and innovation, the journal seeks to foster meaningful dialogue among researchers, educators, and practitioners from diverse disciplines and cultural contexts. In a world increasingly shaped by complexity and rapid change, design thinking continues to offer valuable perspectives and approaches for addressing contemporary challenges through creativity, critical inquiry, and human-centered innovation. This issue reflects the diversity and vitality of contemporary design research, exploring themes that range from sustainability and emerging technologies to social innovation and design education. Together, they demonstrate the growing impact of design thinking as both a field of inquiry and a catalyst for meaningful change. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our authors, reviewers, and editorial team for their dedication and contributions. I also warmly invite scholars and practitioners around the world to join us in continuing to advance the discourse and practice of design thinking. Yassaman KhodadadehEditor-in-ChiefJournal of Design Thinking (JDT) https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_106102.html This study develops a conceptual framework that elucidates the role of geometric thinking in fostering creativity within parametric design processes. While geometric thinking has long been recognized as central to spatial cognition in architecture and design, its specific function in parametric design creativity remains underexplored. To address this gap, the research adopts a qualitative theory-building approach based on a comprehensive analysis of scholarly sources, including journal articles, conference papers, and foundational texts in parametric design, geometric thinking, and design creativity. A structured qualitative analysis employing open, axial, and selective coding techniques was conducted to identify and synthesize recurring conceptual patterns. The findings indicate that creativity in parametric design emerges from the interaction of five interrelated dimensions: foundational drivers (such as control over parameters, designer autonomy, and geometric construction capabilities), the computational environment (including parametric platforms and digital modeling tools), influencing factors (such as system complexity and designer expertise), strategic mechanisms (including rule formation, algorithmic reasoning, scripting practices, and variation generation), and creative outcomes reflected in enhanced exploration and problem-solving. The proposed framework provides a theoretical synthesis that clarifies how geometric thinking functions as a mediating cognitive mechanism within digitally mediated design systems. By integrating geometric cognition with computational processes and creative dynamics, the study advances research in design cognition and computational design while offering a foundation for future empirical investigation and pedagogical application. https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_106075.html Generation Z, characterized as digital natives, navigates a phygital existence where consumption serves as aprimary mechanism for identity construction. In the contemporary Iranian jewelry market, despite a rich historyof craftsmanship, there is a significant functional gap regarding adaptable systems that meet this generation's need forco-creation and differentiation. Drawing on the theories of "Extended Self" and "Value Co-creation", this studyinvestigates the relationship between modular jewelry personalization capabilities and satisfaction with self-identityexpression among Iranian youth (aged 18-29). The research employs an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design.Initially, qualitative content analysis was used to extract aesthetic codes. Subsequently, data from a validated onlinequestionnaire (N=68, α=0.826) were analyzed using Spearman's rank-order correlation. Findings reveal a robustdemand for co-creation, with high personalization propensity (M=4.43, SD=0.68). A significant positive correlation(r=0.657, p<0.01) was established between interchangeability and user’s perception of identity alignment. Responsepatterns suggest that participants orient toward both functional adaptability and symbolic meaning, though largersamples are needed to confirm these trends. The study concludes that modular design transcends static ornamentation,fostering psychological ownership and deeper emotional bonding. For the Iranian gold and jewelry industry,transitioning toward hybrid modular systems, combining precious bases with interchangeable add-ons, is recommended.This strategy not only satisfies the fluid identity needs of Gen Z but also promotes sustainable consumption by extendingproduct lifecycles through functional adaptability.  https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_106161.html Play has a wonderful effect on kids’ development, as a tool for gaining experience. All developmental psychologists have emphasized the importance of childhood, play and appropriate play area. Nevertheless, today in designing residential complexes, less attention has been paid to the kids’ needs, as a one of the most vulnerable groups of the society. Living in such environments has a negative impact on the individual and social health of kids. This paper focused on the effective factors and how they influenced enhancing kids’ motivation to play (3 to 6 years) in residential complexes. The mixed method (Qualitative & Quantitative) was used as a research methodology. The survey was conducted by using the Delphi method. Factor analysis presented six major factors: a) supervision of the environment, b) legibility of child-centered environment, c) natural stimulant factors, d) social interactions (generational- intergenerational), e) vitality of environment, and f) sensory stimulation. Later in the paper, based on the analyses, a linear model was designed. The results showed that "vitality of the environment" and "natural stimulus factors" increased "stimulating the senses". "Natural stimulus factors", "vitality of the environment", "legibility of child-centered environment" and "supervision of the environment" increased "social interactions " and therefore improved kids’ motivation to play in the residential complexes. Furthermore, in order to place greater emphasis on architectural discourse and move closer to the dimension of architectural design, practical examples and design strategies like: playing with natural elements, geometry of space, spatial coherency, direct and indirect visual permeability, and etc. are presented. https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_106629.html Jewelry design has traditionally been evaluated in relation to aesthetics, material properties, and cultural value, whereas ergonomic fit and user safety have received comparatively limited scholarly attention. This study aimed to identify the principal ergonomic and safety-related challenges associated with ring design and to assess the extent to which these issues are represented in the scientific literature. A mixed-method descriptive design was employed, drawing on four complementary sources of evidence: a structured questionnaire administered via Google Forms to approximately 30 frequent ring users, semi-structured interviews with jewelry and industrial designers, a review of ring-related injury cases reported by municipal fire and safety services in Rasht, Shiraz, and Shahriar, Iran, and a bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science. Questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SPSSWin 27, interview data were thematically coded, and bibliometric records were processed in Bibexcel and visualized using VOS viewer and Gephi. The findings identified recurring design-related concerns, including finger-size fluctuation, sharp or protruding forms, excessive weight, material-related skin reactions, and inadequate ergonomic fit. Bibliometric results further indicated that existing scholarship is concentrated primarily on the cultural, artistic, material, and technological dimensions of jewelry, while ergonomic and safety-oriented research remains scarce. The study underscores the need for a user-centered design framework that systematically integrates ergonomics, safety, and aesthetics in order to enhance comfort, usability, and injury prevention in contemporary ring design. https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_106564.html Iranian fashion designers face the challenge of expressing Iranian–Islamic cultural identity while creating garments that remain contemporary, wearable, and appropriate across everyday contexts. Although previous studies have discussed identity and modest dress, they provide limited guidance that can be directly used in fashion design practice. This study aimed to develop evidence-based design guidelines by identifying consumer meanings of Iranian–Islamic fashion and refining them through expert evaluation. A sequential qualitative multi-source design was used. In Phase 1, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 urban Iranian women aged 20–40. In Phase 2, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 fashion professionals, including designers, stylists, brand managers, pattern makers, and educators. Data were coded in ATLAS.ti 23 and analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The findings from both phases were then integrated through a triangulation matrix that classified insights as convergent, complementary, or discordant. Consumer interviews identified seven themes, including dignity and respectability, elegance through simplicity, cultural recognizability without cliché, context-fit, social judgment management, comfort and material practicality, and bounded modernity. Expert interviews translated these themes into design considerations related to silhouette, layering, materials, cultural referencing, and prototyping checks. The final synthesis produced a structured set of actionable guidelines for concept development, collection planning, and sampling. The study contributes an empirically grounded and context-specific framework for translating consumer meanings of Iranian–Islamic dress into design implications and actionable fashion guidelines in the Iranian context. https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_106794.html This study articulates a pioneering, integrated methodology for the optimization of fenestration and spatial configuration in residential living rooms, tailored specifically to the exigencies of Isfahan’s hot-arid climate. The overarching objective is the maximization of daylighting performance through the simultaneous evaluation of three pivotal climate-based metrics: Spatial Daylight Autonomy (sDA), Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE), and Useful Daylight Illuminance (UDI). Distinctively, this research synergizes a Deep Learning (DL) predictive model with a genetic algorithm-based multi-objective optimization framework (Galapagos), transcending the limitations of traditional static modeling techniques. The deployed feedforward neural network exhibited exemplary predictive fidelity, yielding R² coefficients of 0.97 for UDI and ASE, and a perfect 1.00 for sDA. Subsequent interpretability analyses underscored the critical impact of room depth and Window-to-Wall Ratio (WWR) on luminous performance. The optimization protocol culminated in a definitive design archetype for a south-facing volume (4m width × 5m depth), oriented at a -1-degree azimuth. This configuration, featuring a 30% WWR distributed across two vertical apertures with a 0.90m sill height and devoid of external shading, achieved an optimal equilibrium: 100% sDA, 43% ASE, and 72% UDI. Consequently, this work establishes a robust, data-driven framework for sustainable architectural practice, offering precise parametric guidelines for daylighting efficacy in challenging climatic zones. https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_106766.html In recent decades, the intensification of urban heat islands, water scarcity, and increasing dependence on mechanical cooling systems in hot climates have highlighted the necessity of rethinking passive and climate-friendly cooling approaches. In the meantime, traditional clay jars, as evaporative cooling systems based on porous pottery, are part of Iran's indigenous knowledge that have been largely marginalized in contemporary cities. The problem of this research is how to recreate "living jars" as urban cooling modules by relying on the functional logic of these clay systems and at the same time responding to the needs of the city today. The necessity and importance of research lie in the re-linking of climate-friendly pottery technology with contemporary urban design and opening the possibility of reducing energy consumption and strengthening cultural identity in open spaces. This study adopts a qualitative research method and a design-oriented approach to propose a conceptual model for revitalizing these systems. The purpose is to provide a conceptual design framework for transforming traditional clay jars into modular, adaptable urban elements. The results, presented as a design proposal and functional logic, suggest the feasibility of creating low-cost and sustainable cooling modules that improve environmental comfort and urban aesthetics by blending traditional pottery principles with contemporary design. https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_106846.html The growing complexity of instructional materials in elementary science education may impose excessive cognitive load on learners and hinder meaningful learning. Therefore, identifying instructional approaches that effectively manage students’ cognitive load has become an important concern in educational research. The present study investigated the effectiveness of the Understanding by Design (UbD) framework in reducing the cognitive load of sixth‑grade students in science. This quasi‑experimental study was conducted during the fall semester of the 2022–2023 academic year in Shabestar, Iran. Sixty sixth‑grade students participated and were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The experimental group received science instruction designed according to the UbD framework, while the control group was taught using conventional instructional methods. Students’ cognitive load was measured using the PASS Cognitive Load Questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics through univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS version 25. The findings indicated that UbD‑based instruction significantly reduced students’ cognitive load compared with traditional teaching methods. These results suggest that aligning learning objectives, assessment evidence, and instructional activities within the UbD framework can facilitate more efficient information processing, reduce unnecessary mental effort, and ultimately enhance the quality and effectiveness of learning. https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_106957.html The physical design of rehabilitation and correctional environments can influence social interaction, perceived safety, and psychological well-being. However, empirical evidence on how specific architectural features affect social health in such settings, particularly in the Iranian context, remains limited. This study examined the relationship between spatial design and social health in the Hamedan Rehabilitation and Correctional Center using a mixed-methods case study approach. Data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using SPSS alongside qualitative thematic analysis. The findings indicate that several design features, including spatial organization, functional efficiency, access to natural elements, and opportunities for social interaction, were positively associated with improved psychological and social conditions among users. Participants identified poor spatial quality and limited environmental responsiveness as factors contributing to stress and reduced social engagement, whereas well-designed spaces were linked to greater calmness, interaction, and perceived support. These results suggest that architectural design is not merely a physical framework but an active factor in promoting healthier social environments in rehabilitation settings. The study highlights the need for closer collaboration between architects, environmental psychologists, and policymakers in the design of correctional and rehabilitation centers. Incorporating socially responsive and culturally appropriate design principles may improve user well-being and support more effective rehabilitation outcomes. https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_106881.html The current research was conducted with the aim of explaining and presenting a framework for utilizing the capacities of digital technology to improve the quality of the elderly’s presence in urban public spaces, focusing on Zand Street in Shiraz through a mixed and analytical approach. This study identifies and prioritizes components enhancing the elderly’s presence while analyzing the spatial and functional characteristics of the environment. First, documentary studies and literature reviews were used to extract indicators affecting the quality of elderly presence across physical, social, technological, functional, natural, and managerial dimensions. To understand actual conditions, field analyses including direct observation and environmental surveys of Zand Street were conducted. This stage identified behavioral patterns, spatial strengths/weaknesses, and user interactions with environmental elements and existing technologies. Subsequently, the Analytic Network Process (ANP) measured the relative importance of indicators and analyzed their interrelationships. Data were collected through purposive questionnaires from elderly users with continuous experience in the studied space. Finally, ANP results and field findings were integrated to provide a practical framework for age-friendly public spaces emphasizing real environmental characteristics and user experience. Findings showed that while physical and social dimensions are foundational for active presence, digital technology acts as a facilitating factor. Results also indicated that a safe and accessible environment is a prerequisite for effective technology use and social interaction, while smart urban management can improve the effectiveness of other indicators. This research provides an integrated analytical framework combining spatial design and digital technology, serving as a practical guide for the design and management of age-friendly public spaces. https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_106960.html Innovation in contemporary markets increasingly depends on reinterpreting meaning rather than introducing new technologies. While Design Thinking emphasizes incremental improvements through user-centered problem-solving, Design-Driven Innovation (DDI) seeks radical changes by transforming the symbolic and cultural meanings associated with products. Despite its growing relevance, DDI remains empirically underexplored. This study examines how meaning reinterpretation influences value perception in product innovation, addressing the question: how does DDI affect functional, social, and symbolic dimensions of value when applied to cultural artifacts? To investigate this, four Persian cultural artifacts were reinterpreted by design students to generate new product concepts. Traditional artifacts and their redesigned counterparts were evaluated using a value-based framework integrating the Form–Function–Meaning model and the Richins’ Asset Value Rating Scale. The findings show that value transformation is selective rather than uniform. Statistically significant differences were identified in three dimensions—utilitarian value (p = .007), self-expression (p = .014), and status (p = .002)—with lower scores observed for redesigned artifacts. Other value dimensions remained stable. These results reflect designer-perceived value rather than validated user responses. The findings provide preliminary empirical support for the Innovation Paradox, suggesting that meaning-driven innovation, when developed without external validation, may weaken specific value dimensions, particularly those related to functional use and socially recognized identity. The study contributes by offering empirical evidence of selective value transformation and proposing a three-stage framework—meaning exploration, interpretive validation, and functional calibration—to support more balanced design-driven innovation. https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_107138.html This study examines environmental factors influencing Education-Integration in nursing homes and their impact on residents' quality of life (QoL), with a focus on architectural design. Using a mixed-methods approach including literature review, Delphi technique, and surveys of 384 randomly sampled elderly residents in Iran the research identifies key spatial factors and proposes an adaptive design model. Structured around a Design Thinking framework, the process progresses from empathizing with residents' needs, defining core environmental factors via expert consensus, ideating architectural strategies, prototyping design guidelines (Table 7), to testing the framework's impact on QoL through structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS). Pearson correlation and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted using SPSS 24 and Smart PLS. Results indicate that all seven identified factors significantly correlate with QoL, with "Joyfulness of architectural spaces", "Social interactions and community spaces", and "Restorative design" demonstrating the strongest associations. The findings validate the proposed Education-Integrated Design framework as a human-centered, evidence-based prototype for enhancing elderly well-being through intentional spatial planning. This model offers architects and policymakers actionable guidelines for transforming nursing homes into dynamic, learning-oriented environments that actively support residents' physical, psychological, and social quality of life. https://jdt.ut.ac.ir/article_107170.html Mass Customization (MC) toolkits function as the primary interface between consumer heterogeneity and flexible manufacturing systems, facilitating the iterative configuration of personalized products. While widespread across industries, contemporary toolkit designs often rely on static "one-size-fits-all" frameworks that often struggle to account for the dynamic cognitive load imposed by varying solution spaces. This exploratory pilot study investigates user preferences regarding Degrees of Freedom (DoF) within MC interfaces. User interaction with a parametric lightshade configurator was examined across three distinct DoF levels (Low: 18, Medium: 23, and High: 28). The pilot observations suggest preliminary variation in user preference and within the small exploratory sample (N=10), 4 participants showed differing preferences the structured guidance of restricted options, while 6 participants preferred the granular control associated with high configurability. In addition, descriptive trends suggested that participants tended to prefer higher DoF levels for products perceived as more complex. The results argue the notion of a universally optimal option count and instead suggests the concept of Adaptive Degrees of Freedom (ADoF), in which toolkit complexity dynamically responds to differences in user expertise and product context. Given the small exploratory sample (N=10), these observations are descriptive and intended to generate hypotheses about adaptive interface design rather than to support statistical generalization. The primary contribution of this work is the clear illustration of user preference heterogeneity, which supports the foundational argument for developing and testing adaptive, context-aware DoF systems in future large-scale studies.