Veremey O.M., Zhdanova N.S.
THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH ON THE THINKING OF DESIGN STUDENTS IN THE PROCESS OF DESIGNING RESIDENTIAL INTERIORS ^{[№ 1 ' 2026]}
Design utilizes both logical and imaginative thinking, enabling the development of a high-quality product that meets all modern requirements. When designing residential interiors, student designers' thinking is informed by data acquired, in particular, through sociological research into consumers and their living conditions. Our research consisted of three stages. During the first, students studied the lifestyles of apartment residents and created "occupant portraits." Logical thinking, based on sociological research methodology, was dominant here. In the second stage, students developed a list of hallway furnishings based on specific criteria. This stage concluded with a group discussion, during which a universal list of items needed in every hallway, almost every day, was developed. This list served as a basis for the future designers to develop their hallway design proposals, but here, quality depended largely on associative and imaginative thinking. The subsequent presentation of their projects demonstrated an improvement in their quality and, most importantly, a significant shift in the students' thinking. The speech, as the most accurate reflection of thinking, was filled with compelling arguments explaining how to improve the usability of the hallway. In summing up, the students discussed the need to study consumers' lifestyles both directly during the survey and by examining items already in use, which can also reveal a lot about their owners. Students' independent sociological research into consumer characteristics makes the design process more practice-oriented and conscious, thereby enhancing the professional development of future designers.