From idea to creation: exploring designers’ real-time cognitive and emotional experiences throughout the design process
Ashari, Samira (1); Habibi, Alireza (2); Moosavinezhad, Saba (3); Amraee, Babak (1); Schmidt, Stefan (4); Cascini, Gaetano (5)
Type:
Year:
2026
Editor:
Štorga, M.; Škec, S.; Martinec, T.; Marjanović, D.; Pavković, N.
Author:
Series:
DESIGN
Institution:
1: Design Department, Tabriz Islamic Art University, Iran; 2: Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Tehran, Iran; 3: Cognitive Sciences Department, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran; 4: Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy Department, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; 5: Mechanical Engineering Department, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Page(s):
937-946
DOI number:
ISSN:
2732-527X (Online)
Abstract:
This study examines designers’ cognitive and emotional experiences during the design thinking process and the effect of time constraints. Using the MetaCogno tool, 83 participants reported moment-to-moment experiences across Problem Analysis, Ideation, Evaluation, and Sketching. Positive experiences dominated, with time-limited designers showing higher enjoyment, focus, and engagement. Findings highlight the dynamic interplay of cognition and emotion, and suggest that time pressure can enhance focus and motivation during design.
Keywords:
