The purpose of this paper is to define the design orientation construct, proposing a theoretical framework for its analysis and a validated tool for its measurement.
The process of scale development follows the recommendations of DeVellis (1991). After qualitative research with experts, quantitative research was performed on a sample of 209 SMEs in the furniture and lighting sectors. The results, based on the use of the confirmatory factor analysis technique, yielded a measurement scale with solid psychometric properties, thus confirming its reliability and validity.
The resulting scale comprised 19 items grouped into seven dimensions: awareness of the benefits of design, design sensibility, basic design skills, specialized design skills, involving others, design organization and innovation skills.
The instrument can be used to quantify the degree of design orientation in a company, thus enabling cross-sectional and longitudinal diagnoses.
By operationalizing the design orientation construct, this scale serves as a starting point for future developments in the field of business design and design management.
