Engaging Students using a Furniture Design Modelling Tool.

Learning to design furniture is an important aspect of interior design programs. The real modelling in addition to drawing technique helps students understand the design process. Unfortunately, learning facilities that support furniture modelling are not widely available yet, which hinders students' learning engagement. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a new furniture modelling tool can improve cognition, increase emotional engagement, and encourage student passion for studying furniture design. The research employed an experimental method with two groups that each consisted of forty-nine independent samples. The new modelling tool consisted of a rattan connection system, synthetic rattan material, work base, and other equipment, including a mannequin and an ergonomic sitting guidance base. The analysis using the statistic T-test showed that the cognitive and emotional engagement of students was significantly better. However, the modelling tool was not effective enough in stimulating the behavioral aspect to make students work more actively. Lastly, the study discusses why the behavioral response to the modelling tool is not in line with the other psychological variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]