Research Article

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

Volume: 7 Number: 1 January 31, 2026
EN

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

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

References

  1. Alangoya, K. A. (2015). Benefıtıng from the Adventurous Nature of ‘Design Thinking ‘ in Urban Design Education an Urban Design Studio as A Case Study:" On Trial of Taksim Square". Metu Journal of the Faculty of Architecture, 32(1), 65-90.
  2. Asefi, M., & Imani, E. (2018). Effects of active strategic teaching model (ASTM) in creative and critical thinking skills of architecture students. Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 12(2), 209.
  3. Aşkın, G. D. (2020). İç mimarlık eğitimi temel tasarım sürecinde yaratıcı düşüncenin geliştirilmesine yönelik bir yöntem önerisi. Mimar Sinan Güzel Sanatlar Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü İç Mimarlık Anabilimdalı, İç Mimarlık Doktora Tezi. İstanbul.
  4. Avsec, s., & Jagiełło-Kowalczyk, M. (2021). Investigating possibilities of developing self-directed learning in architecture students using design thinking. Sustainability, 13(8), 4369.
  5. Bagheri, B., Azadi, H., Soltani, A., & Witlox, F. (2024). Global city data analysis using SciMAT: A bibliometric review. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 26(6), 15403-15427.
  6. Baker, F. III, & Moukhliss, S. (2020). Concretising design thinking: A content analysis of systematic and extended literature reviews on design thinking and human-centred design. Rev. Educ. 8(1), 305–333. doi: 10.1002/rev3.3186
  7. Benaicha, M., El Harrouni, K., & Kabouss, S. (2025). Concrete in architecture: Redefining form, space, function, and insights from bibliometric analysis. Structural Concrete, 1-23.
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Architectural Computing and Visualisation Methods, Architectural Design

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

January 31, 2026

Submission Date

March 19, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 19, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 7 Number: 1

APA
Aşkın, G. D., & Burkut, E. B. (2026). Mapping Design and Creative Thinking in Architecture and Design: A SciMAT-Based Conceptual and Thematic Analysis. Bab Journal of Architecture and Design, 7(1), 63-78. https://izlik.org/JA75AL66PL
AMA
1.Aşkın GD, Burkut EB. Mapping Design and Creative Thinking in Architecture and Design: A SciMAT-Based Conceptual and Thematic Analysis. bab Journal. 2026;7(1):63-78. https://izlik.org/JA75AL66PL
Chicago
Aşkın, Gülsüm Damla, and Emine Banu Burkut. 2026. “Mapping Design and Creative Thinking in Architecture and Design: A SciMAT-Based Conceptual and Thematic Analysis”. Bab Journal of Architecture and Design 7 (1): 63-78. https://izlik.org/JA75AL66PL.
EndNote
Aşkın GD, Burkut EB (January 1, 2026) Mapping Design and Creative Thinking in Architecture and Design: A SciMAT-Based Conceptual and Thematic Analysis. bab Journal of Architecture and Design 7 1 63–78.
IEEE
[1]G. D. Aşkın and E. B. Burkut, “Mapping Design and Creative Thinking in Architecture and Design: A SciMAT-Based Conceptual and Thematic Analysis”, bab Journal, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 63–78, Jan. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA75AL66PL
ISNAD
Aşkın, Gülsüm Damla - Burkut, Emine Banu. “Mapping Design and Creative Thinking in Architecture and Design: A SciMAT-Based Conceptual and Thematic Analysis”. bab Journal of Architecture and Design 7/1 (January 1, 2026): 63-78. https://izlik.org/JA75AL66PL.
JAMA
1.Aşkın GD, Burkut EB. Mapping Design and Creative Thinking in Architecture and Design: A SciMAT-Based Conceptual and Thematic Analysis. bab Journal. 2026;7:63–78.
MLA
Aşkın, Gülsüm Damla, and Emine Banu Burkut. “Mapping Design and Creative Thinking in Architecture and Design: A SciMAT-Based Conceptual and Thematic Analysis”. Bab Journal of Architecture and Design, vol. 7, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 63-78, https://izlik.org/JA75AL66PL.
Vancouver
1.Gülsüm Damla Aşkın, Emine Banu Burkut. Mapping Design and Creative Thinking in Architecture and Design: A SciMAT-Based Conceptual and Thematic Analysis. bab Journal [Internet]. 2026 Jan. 1;7(1):63-78. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA75AL66PL

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