Integration of Design Thinking and Project Management in Interior Design Process:  A Case Study of a Café Interior Design Project

Farah Firdausy Andanu; Adithya Sudiarno

doi:10.30640/jmcbus.v4i4.7636

Authors

Farah Firdausy Andanu Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember
Adithya Sudiarno Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30640/jmcbus.v4i4.7636

Keywords:

Design Freeze, Design Thinking, Fuzzy AHP, Interior Design, Waterfall

Abstract

Interior design projects require a balance between user-oriented design exploration and structured project implementation. This study aims to identify priority factors supporting the integration of Design Thinking and Waterfall in the interior design project of Kafe X. A case study approach was conducted using observation, project documentation, reflective interviews, and expert assessments from seven respondents. Data were analyzed using the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) with the extent analysis method. The findings show that the integration model consists of an iterative zone combining Design Thinking with the early stages of Waterfall and a linear zone for project execution after the Design Freeze stage. The Fuzzy AHP results indicate that team coordination and collaboration is evaluated as the highest-priority variable (0.5668), followed by project effectiveness (0.3563) and project success (0.0769). At the indicator level, communication quality (0.2525), level of cooperation (0.1734), and workflow continuity (0.1361) are prioritized as key supporting factors. This study indicates that Design Thinking and Waterfall can be effectively integrated, with Design Freeze serving as a transition mechanism between adaptive exploration and controlled implementation, providing practical guidance for improving communication, collaboration, and design management in interior design projects.

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