Understanding design skills of the Generation Y: An exploration through the VR-KiDS project

• Published in: Design studies Vol. 32; no. 2; pp. 180 - 209
• Main Authors: D’Souza, Newton, Yoon, So-Yeon, Islam, Zahidul
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-03-2011
• Subjects: architectural design; design cognition; design process; learning skills; virtual reality; architectural design; design process; virtual reality; learning skills; design cognition
• ISSN: 0142-694X; 1872-6909
• DOI: 10.1016/j.destud.2010.07.002

As university instructors prepare to teach the current generation (Generation Y), a dire need exists to continue learning and acquiring effective tools in teaching design to reach a different generation, since most instructors grew up in the Baby Boomer Generation and the Generation X cultures. The Virtual Reality for Kids interested in Design Studies (VR-KiDS) project is an exploratory study to understand design skills of Generation Y within a digital environment, specifically virtual reality. Using the Second Life interface and the multiple intelligence frame work students between the ages of 11 and 16 participated in the design of a virtual zoo. The project outlines the conception, application and evaluation of design skills within this interface.