Data-Driven Design in the Design Process: A Systematic Literature Review on Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

This systematic review critically evaluates the nexus between data-driven design (DDD) and design processes (DP), guided by PRISMA standards. It synthesises findings from 84 selected articles from databases such as WoS and Scopus, published between 2010 and 2023. It identifies a notable gap in the literature in directly linking DDD to DP, while acknowledging a broader, more complex relationship. This research reveals the complexity of integrating DDD into traditional design paradigms, highlighting both challenges and opportunities for innovation. The findings serve as an important resource for academics and practitioners interested in using data to enhance DP. As well as highlighting existing challenges and opportunities, the review calls for further research to fill identified gaps, highlighting the significant potential for advancing design methodologies through a more coherent integration of data-driven insights. This work points to the need for a deeper understanding and use of DDD to improve traditional design practices.

Keywords:

• Data-driven design
• systematic literature review
• design process
• big data
• design methodology

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Juan Carlos Quiñones-Gómez

Juan Carlos Quiñones-Gómez is Industrial Design Engineer, MSc Industrial Design Engineering and Innovation and Design Researcher at the Open University of Catalonia whose expertise lies in product design, his research focuses on the evolution of the design process through big data, studying the impact of digital technologies on creative activities.

Enric Mor

Enric Mor is associate professor at UOC (Open University of Catalonia) where he teaches human-computer interaction, human-centred design and creative coding. He is the director of the master’s degree in Interaction Design and User Experience. His research is focused on technology-enhanced learning, human-computer interaction and design.

Jonathan Chacón

Jonathan Chacón holding a Ph.D. in Information Technologies, specialises in human-computer interaction and user experience. His thesis focused on mechanisms supporting online educational platforms. Currently, he serves as the Coordinator of the Management and Data Area and is a professor in Industrial Design Engineering at Elisava Barcelona.