CONFERENCES
E&PDE 2026 - 28th International Conference on Engineering & Product Design Education
The Conference will bring together representatives from education and industry interested in sharing new perspectives on design education.
Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
INFLUENCES OF PEER CRITIQUE, COLLABORATION AND ITERATION ON TEAM DYNAMICS AND HUMAN CENTERED DESIGN OUTCOMES IN PRODUCT DESIGN STUDIOS
Amin, Tushar
Type:
Year:
2026
Editor:
Buck, Lyndon; Brisco. Ross; Bohemia, Erik
Author:
Series:
E&PDE
Institution:
Dr. Vishwanath Karad MIT World Peace University, Pune, India
Page(s):
344 - 349
DOI number:
ISBN:
978-1-912254-24-8
ISSN:
3005-4753
Abstract:
Studio-based learning is the foundation of product design education and includes practices like peer collaboration, iterative making processes and tutor critiques and peer-to-peer critique sessions. However, the contributions of peer critique sessions to students’ teamwork dynamics and their application of human-centered design (HCD) principles remain underexamined. This study examines how this core studio practice shapes students’ ability to work effectively in teams and apply HCD principles in their design decisions. Adopting a mixed-method approach across multiple product design studio courses, the research integrates pre-post surveys, structured observation of peer critique sessions, coded transcripts of student-to-student feedback, and longitudinal analysis of project artifacts. Quantitative measures assess teamwork quality, psychological safety, and HCD application, while qualitative data analyses reveal how peer discourse, shared problem framing, influence design reasoning. Preliminary hypothesis propose that well-structured peer critiques-especially those emphasizing user needs- enhance collaborative cohesion, deepen empathic understanding, and improve HCD outcomes across iteration cycles. By illuminating how peer driven critique and collaborative studio practices most effectively foster empathy-driven decision making and cohesive team dynamics, the results of this study provide evidence based strategies for product design educators seeking to strengthen reflective, empathetic, and team oriented product design education.
Keywords:
