디자인 씽킹을 통한 공공디자인 향상을 위한 도시공원 디자인 개발: 울산 대왕암 공원을 중심으로

This study aims to apply the design thinking process as a user-centered strategy for improving public design in Daewangam Park, Ulsan, and to empirically examine its practical applicability and acceptance. To overcome the limitations of conventional public design approaches focused on standardized, function-oriented facilities, the five-step structure of design thinking (empathize–define–ideate–prototype–test) was expanded into a seven-phase iterative model by adding “feedback integration” and “redesign.” In the initial stage, on-site observations, a survey of 30 participants, and semi-structured interviews with a representative user group of 10 participants—selected based on age group, purpose of use, visiting time, and spatial route type—were conducted to collect data on functional discomforts and emotional responses. The interview and survey data were coded and categorized into three design axes: emotional, cognitive, and functional. Based on this, an Emotional Customer Journey Map was created to visually structure the core problem areas. Subsequently, personas were developed, idea sketches and scenarios were produced, and six design proposals were generated through AI-based visual experiments. Expert evaluation (n=6) and citizen feedback were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, maximum, and minimum values for functionality, emotional inducement, and spatial suitability. The results were reflected in the redesign of the arrangement and form of design elements. The final proposal consists of an integrated formative system that organically connects spatial flow and emotional rhythm around emotional pathways and visual axes, demonstrating both the practical applicability and scalability of public design in urban parks. Beyond practical contributions, this study advances academic discourse by extending the conventional five-step design thinking into a seven-phase iterative model and by integrating AI-based formative experiments into public design methodology. This establishes a theoretical framework that links user-centered emotional strategies with reproducible spatial design practices.