Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: The study of cognition, cognitive processes, and how they are processed has always been of interest in architectural education. Design thinking is a cognitive style in design, the main element of which is the design thinking mindset. Mindset is a set of attitudes, opinions, beliefs, and behaviors that characterize a designer and may be related to the designer’s personality traits. Personality encompasses all stable aspects of an individual’s patterns of thinking, emotions, and behavior and is one of the most comprehensive concepts in psychology. Personality is a latent and complex construct associated with a combination of related traits and characteristics. One of these characteristics and abilities is critical thinking, which enables an individual to determine the validity, accuracy, and value of the information to which they are constantly exposed, adapt to different conditions, and think flexibly and critically. Since designers are faced with a large amount of information and stimuli and are required to evaluate and critically assess them in order to make appropriate choices and decisions and use them correctly, they need critical thinking skills. In addition, design thinking also depends on processing ability. The present study aimed to develop a model of the design thinking mindset based on the cognitive constructs of critical thinking and information-processing styles. In other words, it sought to explain the design thinking mindset based on information-processing styles and critical thinking. Since enhancing design ability is one of the important goals of architectural education, it is therefore necessary to identify the factors related to the design process, particularly those related to the designer. On the other hand, the designer’s personality traits were considered as a mediating variable in the relationship between information-processing styles and critical thinking and the design thinking mindset. The study seeks to answer the following main question: How can a model of the design thinking mindset in relation to information-processing styles and critical thinking, with the mediating role of personality traits, be developed while also demonstrating an adequate fit? Furthermore, how are critical thinking and information-processing styles related to the design thinking mindset? And what is the role of personality traits in the relationship between critical thinking and information-processing styles and the design thinking mindset?
Methods: The present research employed a descriptive-correlational method within the framework of structural equation modeling, in which the relationships between two latent exogenous variables (critical thinking and information processing styles), one latent mediating variable (personality traits), and one latent criterion variable (design thinking mindset) were examined. The statistical population of this study included all architecture students at universities in Hamadan who were studying during the 2021–2022 academic year (1400–1401). A sample of 248 students was selected using convenience sampling. To collect the relevant data, questionnaires on design thinking mindset, information processing styles, critical thinking, and personality traits were used. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical measures, including frequency distribution tables, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistical methods, including the correlation coefficient and structural equation modeling, to test and examine the hypotheses. The analyses were conducted using SPSS 22 and LISREL 8.8.
Findings: The fit index in the present model was 2.37, which was within the acceptable range. The Goodness-of-Fit Index (GFI), Incremental Fit Index (IFI), and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) were all above 0.90. The Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) was 0.053 in the present research model, indicating a good fit of the model. Based on these findings, the developed conceptual model showed an adequate fit to the data; meaning that the design thinking mindset model can be developed based on critical thinking and information processing styles, with personality traits as a mediator. The results of the structural relationships in the model showed that the direct effects of the experiential style on the intellectual-emotional trait, the rational style on the sensory-intuitive trait, and critical thinking on the design thinking mindset were not significant (p > 0.05). The remaining direct effects in the model were significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: In analyzing and reviewing the theoretical foundations and research findings, it can be stated that since the design thinking mindset is related to the attitudes and beliefs of the individual designer, it cannot be unaffected by the designer’s personality traits and cognitive abilities. Based on these results, the personality traits of extraversion/introversion (focus on the problem) and judging/perceiving (the individual’s orientation toward the problem) had both direct and indirect effects on the designer’s thinking mindset and showed the highest mean scores compared to the other personality types. Furthermore, information processing styles and critical thinking were closely related to the design thinking mindset. Therefore, by developing programs aimed at training and enhancing the cognitive abilities of architecture students, changes in their design thinking mindset can be expected.