Abstract
This study investigates how workshop designers master the design process by focusing on the turning points in their workshop design methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with workshop designers having over five years of experience (n=19). The analysis suggests that workshop designers realize the need to change their design methods when (1) encountering different types of participants, (2) changing positions in their teams, (3) collaborating with people from different professional and educational backgrounds, (4) becoming conscious of mentoring younger designers, and (5) using introspection to realize their ideal design methods. In addition, the findings indicate four elements important to the design mastery process of workshop designers: (1) original experiences and motivations, (2) conflicts and breakthroughs with others, (3) positive attitudes toward building a good relationship with co-workers and participants, and (4) establishment of theories on an individual level.
