A Web Platform for Documentation and Feedback on Learning in Design Education

Abstract

This study presents DesignEDU, a web-based system developed to facilitate support and improvement of learning among students of design courses in digital fabrication education. The platform addresses the growing need for effective documentation and feedback mechanisms in maker education environments, particularly within FabLab settings where students engage with technologies such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining.

Introduction

Digital fabrication education has become increasingly important in design curricula worldwide. FabLabs and makerspaces provide students with hands-on experience in transforming digital designs into physical prototypes. However, the learning process in these environments presents unique challenges, including the need for effective documentation of iterative design processes and timely feedback from instructors.

Traditional learning management systems often fall short in supporting the project-based, iterative nature of digital fabrication courses. Students need platforms that can capture the evolution of their designs, facilitate reflection on their learning journey, and enable meaningful interaction with instructors and peers.

The DesignEDU Platform

DesignEDU was designed with several key objectives in mind:

• Provide a structured environment for documenting design projects
• Enable rich multimedia uploads including images, videos, and 3D models
• Facilitate instructor feedback at various stages of the design process
• Support peer collaboration and knowledge sharing
• Integrate AI-powered assistance to guide students through fabrication workflows

The platform is built using modern web technologies including Next.js, Convex for real-time data synchronization, and integrates with AI services to provide intelligent tutoring support.

Key Features

Project Documentation

Students can create detailed project portfolios that capture their design journey from concept to final prototype. The system supports version tracking, allowing students and instructors to review the evolution of designs over time.

Interactive Feedback System

Instructors can provide contextual feedback directly on student submissions. The feedback system supports annotations, comments, and structured rubric-based assessments that help students understand areas for improvement.

AI-Powered Learning Assistant

An integrated AI chatbot provides students with on-demand assistance for common questions about fabrication processes, material selection, and troubleshooting. This helps reduce the burden on instructors while ensuring students receive timely support.

Research Methodology

The development of DesignEDU followed a design-based research approach, involving iterative cycles of design, implementation, and evaluation. The platform was deployed in digital fabrication courses at the University of Oulu FabLab, where student feedback and usage data informed continuous improvements.

Qualitative data was collected through student interviews and surveys, while quantitative metrics tracked platform engagement and learning outcomes.

Results and Impact

Initial findings indicate that DesignEDU effectively supports the documentation and feedback needs of digital fabrication courses. Students reported higher engagement with the learning process and appreciated the ability to track their progress over time.

Instructors noted that the platform streamlined their feedback workflow and provided better visibility into student progress, enabling more timely interventions when students encountered difficulties.

Conclusion

DesignEDU represents a significant step forward in supporting digital fabrication education. By providing purpose-built tools for documentation and feedback, the platform addresses critical gaps in existing learning management systems and creates new opportunities for meaningful learning experiences in maker education.

Future work will focus on expanding the AI capabilities, improving collaborative features, and conducting longitudinal studies to assess the platform's impact on learning outcomes.

Citation

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-96518-0_18