The development and application of an analytical tool for student appraisal of design folio work

This paper reports a small scale investigation and evaluation concerning the use of an analytical tool that has been developed as a part of an assessment framework for design projects. The system was intended to allow students to assess a number of dimensions that can be identified in design folio work. The key objective of this work was to support and encourage student learning during assessment. As a result of using this tool students were actively engaged in the process of assessment and exposed to a wider learning experience. Students used the system to examine and appraise their own design work and that of their peers. As a result of this exposure it was intended that students would develop the skills of observation and critical reflection concerning different approaches to designing. The wider objective was to develop in students a more communicative, productive and mature personal style of designing. This paper will focus on two main elements of the work: the range and diversity of dimensional assessments made by students; student response to the use of this appraisal tool in the context of learning about the practical activity of designing.