The Impact of Incorporating Heritage Manuscripts into the Course of Symbolism in Design on Postgraduates Visual Learning and Creativity

Objectives: This study explores the impact of integrating heritage manuscripts into the Symbolism in Design course (DES 652) taught to postgraduate students in the Master of Design program at Yarmouk University in Jordan. The study also measures the impact of using heritage manuscripts as a visual learning resource on academic achievement, visual learning, and creativity among design students. Methods: The study employs a mixed-method approach, using a quasi-experimental approach and the pre-post-test to compare the student's exam grades as academic achievements before and after integrating heritage manuscripts into the course. Additionally, an experimental method was used, employing summative assessment of the final practical project in the course, designed according to its objectives and standards, aiming to evaluate students' levels of visual learning and creativity after utilizing heritage manuscripts in their final projects. Results: The study findings indicate that integrating heritage manuscripts into the Symbolism in Design course (DES 652) significantly impacts academic achievement, visual learning, and creativity for graduate students in the Master of Design program, by enhancing their awareness of cultural heritage value and by boosting their creative abilities in practical design projects within the course, such as designing visual identities for civilizations and city branding. Conclusions: The study concludes that heritage manuscripts as valuable visual learning resources are crucial when integrated into design education to enhance visual learning and creativity for design students and to increase their awareness of visual culture. The study also recommends integrating heritage manuscripts into the curricula of other design courses.