Illuminating the trans-mediation process: an eye-tracking study of sketching to light painting in design education
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education
ISSN: 2050-7003
Article publication date: 7 February 2024
Issue publication date: 9 July 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This study is an “Action-Research-based” bridge that connects sketching and photographic processes. The article’s objective encompasses designing, assessing and validating a perceived difference between sketching and photography through a structured task by ensuring the systematic creation and implementation of the assignments. This study is part of a larger research project exploring the differences between thinking about sketching and final photographic outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
This experimental mixed-method methodology was collected in three phases: the creation phase, where participants were asked to sketch and photograph a balanced composition; the evaluation phase, where the sketches and photographs were evaluated by “Self, Peer, and Independent” reviewers for their perceived differences. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was implemented to test the result. In the validation phase, eye-tracking technology is applied to understand the subconscious eye movements of individuals.
Findings
This study of 37 samples has helped develop a self-study model in photography, as students have learnt to evaluate themselves critically. This experience will help students be active and reflective learners, thus increasing attention and retention in their course, specifically “Photography Design Education”. A pedagogical approach by design instructors for practical, student-friendly, process-oriented assignments for their photography courses in higher education.
Originality/value
The trans-mediation process requires cognition amongst different mediums, such as pencil and paper for sketching and light for light painting. Photography courses in design education need knowledge of the photo/light medium, contrasting with the understanding of sketching/drawing. Exploring and addressing research gaps for transforming and designing assignments based on adaptive understanding presents an exciting opportunity.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Symbiosis Institute of Design for allowing us to research photography design education. We sincerely thank Dr Aradhana Gandhi, the Symbiosis Centre for Behavioural Studies (SCBS) professor. Your expertise in eye-tracking was instrumental in shaping the direction of this work. We would also like to thank Dr Punit Kumar Mishra of Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS) for guiding us in the statistical analysis.
Since submission of this article, the following author(s) have updated their affiliation(s): Vijay Shah is at the Symbiosis Institute of Design, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India.
Citation
Sahasrabudhe, K., Prakash, G., Gaikwad, S. and Shah, V. (2024), "Illuminating the trans-mediation process: an eye-tracking study of sketching to light painting in design education", Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, Vol. 16 No. 4, pp. 1258-1273. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-02-2023-0075
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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