Research on the mechanism of hard and soft skills coupling on learning motivation of students majoring in environmental design

This article focuses on the environmental design profession, exploring the hard skills (Sustainable Design , Biophilic Design , Universal Design , Acoustics Design) and soft skills (Interpersonal Communication , Collaborative and Teamwork , Adaptability and Flexibility).and soft skills on student learning motivation was investigated. Based on the synergy theory, an analytical framework was constructed and empirical research revealed that hard skills indirectly enhance learning motivation by enhancing professional efficacy, while soft skills directly stimulate intrinsic motivation by optimizing the learning experience. The coupled effect of these two skills significantly outweighs the stimulating effect of a single skill on learning motivation. This study proposes a “dual-track drive” training model, providing a theoretical basis for the reform of environmental design teaching in universities.In the future, researchers can further explore the positive correlation between interpersonal competencies and educational engagement through longitudinal designs, cross-cultural validation studies, and intervention research targeting specific skill domains to enhance motivation in environmental design education contexts.