SOCIAL MEDIA COLLABORATED IN A NEW PARADIGM FOR DESIGN KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT

Authors: Chen Dounan, Taksina Chai-Ittipornwong & Panom Wannasiri

ABSTRACT

This research aimed to analyze a linkage of social media affordance collaborated in a new paradigm for design knowledge and skill development. Methods of in-depth interview with students in the field of design learning, and task-based-participant observation were deployed for bridging the gap between the students’ cognition and action; a “say-do” gap in relevance. The research found that design students emphasize social media as a tool for design knowledge and skill development, prioritizing creativity over professional practice, and integrating multiple platforms according to objectives, with interactive feedback and collaborative networking as primary benefits, followed by the features of resources accessibility and visual sharing. Students’ positive embrace of Rednote and Bilibili apps for creativity while enhancing professional practice on Huaban platform. A new paradigm of design learning requires the integration of visual sharing on social media to enhance technical proficiency, the use of platform networks for real-time and teamwork collaboration, the optimization of interactive feedback from peers for evaluation and reflection, and the accessibility of knowledge resource to support a holistic interpretation of outcomes. Finally, it is evident that excessive reliance on social media can result in homogenized designs and diminished creativity, suggesting that students are mastering tools rather than cultivating design thinking.

Keywords: Design learning, Digital affordance, Social media

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