Biometric Analysis in Design Cognition Studies: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This study presents a systematic literature review on the utilisation of biometric analyses within the research area of design cognition. Design is a critical phase of many industries including architecture and construction, industrial design, engineering design, and many others. The development of design theories and methodologies to further understanding of designers’ cognitive design processes is thereby crucial. Traditional methods for design studies such as protocol analysis are prone to subjective factors and rely upon designers’ externalisations of their own design intentions, which typically makes such results difficult to validate. Design neuroscience has become an emerging area of research in recent years. Utilising biometric measurements such as electroencephalography (EEG), functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and eye-tracking, more objective data can be obtained about the physiological responses of designers during their performing of design activities, and such empirical data can then be analysed without relying on designers to self-report. Recent years have witnessed an increasing number of studies in that research area. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding about current design studies that utilise biometric analysis as well as the application and effectiveness of the analysis approach. Therefore, this research utilised a systematic literature review method, reviewing the past decade’s biometric analysis studies related to design cognition, aiming to bridge the research gap areas as informed by the systematic review. The findings of this study suggest that this research area is still at an early stage, and there has accordingly been a trend of increasing publications within the field. Most design neuroscience studies have investigated the common areas such as design problem solving, design creativity, design thinking strategies, cognitive load and visual attention. Further research is especially needed in the following: (i) design neuroscience studies for various digital design environments; (ii) practical applications of biometric analysis design studies to both design practice and design education; and (iii) further advancement of biometric techniques applicable to future design studies. The results of this study contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the existing knowledge and research about the application of biometric analysis to design cognition studies; this is potentially beneficial to future design research and education, and it leads to more advanced application of design cognition studies.