Mapping three dimensions of empathy in design education: Educational interventions, aspects and contexts

Abstract

The complex and multi-layered phenomenon of empathy has its roots in design research and design practice, and so has indirect and dispersed connections to design education. Moreover, the ill-defined nature of design increases the complexity level while handling empathy in design education. Based on the scoping literature review, this study maps empathy in design education within three dimensions: the educational interventions, the aspects and the contexts of empathy. Qualitative content analysis is conducted to establish the categories representing the dimensions of empathy in design education. Through this integrative framework based on these three dimensions, the dispersed connections of empathy with design education are systematically examined and research gaps for future studies are discussed.