Abstract
Design briefs are widely used in professional practice and design education, serving as key means for communication and learning. This paper explores the functions of design briefs in educational settings, drawing on the collective insights of experienced design educators. Through a series of case studies and collaborative reflections, the paper identifies five key themes: briefing as a relational process, the agency of learners, skills or practice, positionality and values, and briefs for scaffolding. The study also critically examines the potential of generative AI tools for effective brief development, demonstrating their applicability through a hands-on exercise. The findings underscore the need for a nuanced and reflective approach to brief development, advocating for continuous dialogue, critical examination of ethical and social dimensions, and strategic integration across educational programs. This research sets the stage for further exploration into the design and use of briefs, aiming to better prepare future designers for the complexities of real-world challenges with sensitivity, creativity, and critical awareness.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.21606/drslxd.2025.075
Citation
Sosa, R., Moore, E., Watts, J., Hansopaheluwakan, N., Ramirez, R.H.,and Meron, Y.(2025) Intertwining Briefs: Reflecting on the Craft of Design Studio Briefs, in Clemente, V., Gomes, G., Reis, M., Félix, S., Ala, S., Jones, D. (eds.), Learn X Design 2025, 22-24 September 2025, Aveiro, Portugal. https://doi.org/10.21606/drslxd.2025.075
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Full Paper
Intertwining Briefs: Reflecting on the Craft of Design Studio Briefs
Design briefs are widely used in professional practice and design education, serving as key means for communication and learning. This paper explores the functions of design briefs in educational settings, drawing on the collective insights of experienced design educators. Through a series of case studies and collaborative reflections, the paper identifies five key themes: briefing as a relational process, the agency of learners, skills or practice, positionality and values, and briefs for scaffolding. The study also critically examines the potential of generative AI tools for effective brief development, demonstrating their applicability through a hands-on exercise. The findings underscore the need for a nuanced and reflective approach to brief development, advocating for continuous dialogue, critical examination of ethical and social dimensions, and strategic integration across educational programs. This research sets the stage for further exploration into the design and use of briefs, aiming to better prepare future designers for the complexities of real-world challenges with sensitivity, creativity, and critical awareness.