Enhancing project-based learning in engineering education: a hybrid DT-CDIO-RA framework for sustainable product design

Abstract This study presents a structured hybrid framework integrating Design Thinking (DT), the Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) methodology, and Root Assessment (RA) to enhance project-based learning (PBL) in engineering education. The framework addresses limitations in conventional PBL by...

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Main Authors: P. Hariharasakthisudhan, K. Logesh, K. Sathickbasha, Sathish Kannan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-05-01
Series:Discover Education
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00579-3
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author P. Hariharasakthisudhan
K. Logesh
K. Sathickbasha
Sathish Kannan
author_facet P. Hariharasakthisudhan
K. Logesh
K. Sathickbasha
Sathish Kannan
author_sort P. Hariharasakthisudhan
collection DOAJ
description Abstract This study presents a structured hybrid framework integrating Design Thinking (DT), the Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) methodology, and Root Assessment (RA) to enhance project-based learning (PBL) in engineering education. The framework addresses limitations in conventional PBL by embedding iterative ideation, structured engineering processes, and systematic decision-making. Applied to the development of a Seed Injecting Machine, the framework enabled students to engage in user-centric design, sustainability-driven decision-making, and iterative prototyping. The DT phase guided empathy-driven ideation, while CDIO structured concept realization through detailed design, fabrication, and testing. RA facilitated a multi-criteria evaluation process, prioritizing technical feasibility, sustainability, and user adoption metrics. This methodology provided a robust PBL model, aligning experiential learning with real-world constraints. Students gained hands-on expertise in interdisciplinary problem-solving, stakeholder-driven design, and sustainability assessment. The proposed DT-CDIO-RA framework enhances engineering education by bridging theoretical learning with applied innovation, equipping learners with competencies critical for sustainable product development.
format Article
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issn 2731-5525
language English
publishDate 2025-05-01
publisher Springer
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series Discover Education
spelling doaj-art-96d2b26e909b4dc4bc41bc29342f90c42025-08-20T02:03:38ZengSpringerDiscover Education2731-55252025-05-014111810.1007/s44217-025-00579-3Enhancing project-based learning in engineering education: a hybrid DT-CDIO-RA framework for sustainable product designP. Hariharasakthisudhan0K. Logesh1K. Sathickbasha2Sathish Kannan3Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and TechnologyDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr, Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and TechnologyDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, B. S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and TechnologyDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Amity University Dubai, Dubai International Academic CityAbstract This study presents a structured hybrid framework integrating Design Thinking (DT), the Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) methodology, and Root Assessment (RA) to enhance project-based learning (PBL) in engineering education. The framework addresses limitations in conventional PBL by embedding iterative ideation, structured engineering processes, and systematic decision-making. Applied to the development of a Seed Injecting Machine, the framework enabled students to engage in user-centric design, sustainability-driven decision-making, and iterative prototyping. The DT phase guided empathy-driven ideation, while CDIO structured concept realization through detailed design, fabrication, and testing. RA facilitated a multi-criteria evaluation process, prioritizing technical feasibility, sustainability, and user adoption metrics. This methodology provided a robust PBL model, aligning experiential learning with real-world constraints. Students gained hands-on expertise in interdisciplinary problem-solving, stakeholder-driven design, and sustainability assessment. The proposed DT-CDIO-RA framework enhances engineering education by bridging theoretical learning with applied innovation, equipping learners with competencies critical for sustainable product development.https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00579-3Hybrid methodologySustainable product designProject based learningDesign thinkingCDIO frameworkRoot assessment (RA)
spellingShingle P. Hariharasakthisudhan
K. Logesh
K. Sathickbasha
Sathish Kannan
Enhancing project-based learning in engineering education: a hybrid DT-CDIO-RA framework for sustainable product design
Discover Education
Hybrid methodology
Sustainable product design
Project based learning
Design thinking
CDIO framework
Root assessment (RA)
title Enhancing project-based learning in engineering education: a hybrid DT-CDIO-RA framework for sustainable product design
title_full Enhancing project-based learning in engineering education: a hybrid DT-CDIO-RA framework for sustainable product design
title_fullStr Enhancing project-based learning in engineering education: a hybrid DT-CDIO-RA framework for sustainable product design
title_full_unstemmed Enhancing project-based learning in engineering education: a hybrid DT-CDIO-RA framework for sustainable product design
title_short Enhancing project-based learning in engineering education: a hybrid DT-CDIO-RA framework for sustainable product design
title_sort enhancing project based learning in engineering education a hybrid dt cdio ra framework for sustainable product design
topic Hybrid methodology
Sustainable product design
Project based learning
Design thinking
CDIO framework
Root assessment (RA)
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00579-3
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