Design literacy: Identifying and examining in industrial design

Design literacy is recognized as a framework for understanding and cultivating competencies in industrial design. This study investigates how design literacy has evolved within contemporary industrial design. Using a PRISMA-guided systematic review of 55 sources and two expert interviews, the study synthesizes perspectives on design literacy. The analysis identifies six dimensions: cognition, skills, knowledge, values, aesthetics and general competencies. The findings trace the transformation of design literacy from the twentieth century to the present, revealing a shift from craft-and representation-oriented competencies towards a multidimensional framework integrating cognitive, ethical, aesthetic and collaborative capabilities. While sketching remains central to reflective design thinking and material sensitivity, emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are reshaping design workflows and placing greater emphasis on evaluative judgement, contextual awareness and interdisciplinary collaboration. The study proposes a multidimensional framework for design literacy and highlights its role in informing design education and preparing future designers to navigate technological change.