Design exploration and collaboration within groups in learning-by-making (LBM) approach

Abstract

Using a case study of the 3rd instalment of Bamboo Nation (BN) 2018, an international learning workshop for bamboo structure and construction, this research explores Learning-By-Making (LBM) implementation with a focus on design exploration tools and collaboration within a group tasked with designing cores. As commonly found in LBM practices, the participants involved in the 3rd BN were assigned to design and, eventually, build a 1:1 scale model within two weeks. In that process, there were tendencies for groups that relied on a particular design tool, the physical models, as a more relatable to each other. The study inquires specifically on the Design Explorations aspect, using particular design tools and Collaboration aspects within groups in the 3rd BN. The result will provide a basis for further development to improve design performance in LBM as a design learning approach. Data collection regarding design processes and products was from first-hand documentation and interviews with data for collaboration assessments were obtained by peer-assessment and self-assessment from every participant in the 3rd BN. Both types of data were then further analysed according to the Design Exploration Aspect and Collaboration Aspect of a typical LBM practice. A comparison of these aspects concludes the analysis. The study is a focus on finding a relation between a group’s productivity on delivering design alternatives and its collaboration aspects within groups. It also investigated the design tools that the groups used, whether by physical models or any other tools, on their contributions in the whole aspects of Learning-By-Making (LBM) processes. Contribution of the research will involve mainly evaluation of the LBM characteristics as an alternative for design and technical-based studies and suggestions for further applications of the approach.