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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.

Assumption-making in ill-structured problems: a reflexive thematic analysis

Kashyap, Kudrat; Singh, Vishal

Type:
Papers
DS 145: Proceedings of the DESIGN2026 19th International Design Conference
Year:
2026
Editor:
Štorga, M.; Škec, S.; Martinec, T.; Marjanović, D.; Pavković, N.
Author:
Kashyap, Kudrat; Singh, Vishal
Series:
DESIGN
Institution:
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
Page(s):
033-042
DOI number:
10.1017/pds.2026.10362
ISSN:
2732-527X (Online)
Abstract:
Designers are often asked to state their assumptions. However, how assumptions are made is not well understood. We administered short and long versions of ill-structured problems to 22 students and analysed their responses using reflexive thematic analysis. Participants constructed analogies from recent experiences and distant memories. Interpretations in the short version often persisted in the long version, indicating assumptive inertia, a tendency to maintain initial assumptions. The findings offer insights into the process of assumption-making and its role in design decision-making.
Keywords:
design cognition, decision-making, design research
DESIGN2026 - The 19th International Design Conference
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