Mapping Design Features, Artifacts, and Thinking: Developing a Method for Assessing the Impact of Diffusion Models’ Implementation in Interior Design

This study develops a visual mapping method that allows others to identify, study and optimise the implementation of diffusion models or other emerging technologies in interior design and architectural design. The method is developed through a year-long living lab with a small Flemish interior design firm, which provides an empirical and situated understanding of how diffusion models influence design practice, processes and designers within small firms. The visual mapping of the case study reveals distinct ‘moments of impact’ where generated imagery expands references and introduces novel design artifacts, while highlighting obstacles that limit broader adoption. Regarding design practice, the design features that emerged from the generated imagery, such as texture, style and feeling, show to be notably relevant for the field of interior design. Regarding design processes, the studied design artifacts show that integrated artifacts can introduce quick wins, and novel artifacts can stimulate parallel image-driven design tracks. Regarding the designer, an analysis of design thinking demonstrates that the designer’s interpretation and decision-making skills remain central when diffusion models enter the design conversation. The mapping method offers a replicable framework for future studies and highlights how research on diffusion models can go further than currently prevailing studies that are often more theoretical in nature, ‘detached’ from concrete, real-life professional practice.