VIRTUAL Prague Research & Teaching Conference

Abstract

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Defining a clear concept or narrative at the beginning of a design project is essential for creating meaningful and successful outcomes. However, students often perceive the process of concept definition as abstract and difficult to grasp, frequently confusing it with the articulation of design intentions, what highlights the need for effective teaching strategies. This paper explores the importance of teaching design students how to establish a strong conceptual foundation in their creative process, considering that a well-defined narrative serves as a guiding framework for design decisions, ensuring coherence, consistency, and depth. To facilitate comprehension of a design concept, nature was introduced as a source of inspiration, demonstrating how organic structures, ecosystems, and natural patterns embody coherence and adaptability. A design exercise was developed and implemented with university students, using nature as a conceptual trigger to explore and define project narratives. Through observation, analysis, and interpretation of natural elements, students engaged in a deeper understanding of how to construct meaningful design narratives. The results confirmed that nature can be an effective pedagogical tool in teaching concept development, helping students recognize the importance of establishing a strong foundation for their projects. The final outcomes demonstrated potential in improving students’ ability to understand and apply conceptual thinking in design. This study underscores the value of nature-inspired methodologies in design education and reinforces the necessity of emphasizing concept definition in the early stages of the creative process.