Mapping Design and Creative Thinking in Architecture and Design: A SciMAT-Based Conceptual and Thematic Analysis

Year 2026, Volume: 7 Issue: 1, 63 - 78, 31.01.2026

Gülsüm Damla Aşkın , Emine Banu Burkut

Abstract

The aim of this research is to examine the conceptual and theoretical foundation of creative
thinking and design thinking. In this study, a systematic literature review was conducted on the
concepts of "design," "design thinking," "design-oriented thinking," creativity," and "creative
thinking." The steps followed in the research were in the first stage the publications within the
scope of the architecture and design disciplines that were examined; in the second stage the
articles were critically reviewed, and the articles that were not relevant were excluded; and finally,
bibliometric and content analysis of the selected articles were carried out. In addition, the current
publication trends, sub-themes, and conceptual variations were visualized using specialized
software. The analyses of the research were performed using the SciMAT (Science Mapping
Analysis Software Tool) software through strategic diagrams, network maps, and thematic maps.
It is possible to develop various clustering methods and conduct analyses using different
bibliometric networks with the SciMAT program. The study's conclusions provide
recommendations that emphasize current trends in design education and design studio softwarebased, as well as suggestions for future research.

Keywords

Design thinking , design education , design studio , SciMAT software , creative thinking

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