A Model for the Process of Idea Generation. (4th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sarkar, Prabir; Chakrabarti, Amaresh
• Is Part Of: Design journal. Volume 20:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 239
• Page End: 257
• Publication Date: 2017-03-04
• Subjects: idea generation -- product design -- search -- design model; Design -- Periodicals; 745.05
• DOI: 10.1080/14606925.2017.1272244
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1756-3062

Abstract

Abstract: A variety of models of design and idea generation exist; yet, the exact process of idea generation is still only vaguely understood. In this paper, we propose a model of the idea generation process and make a number of recommendations for its improvement. We study both novice and experienced designers through a series of design experiments, seek patterns in their search for ideas, and use these to model the process. A major finding is that designers rely heavily on existing designs from their memory and modify these suitably to develop solutions for a given problem. Further, we discuss various specific patterns of idea generation during conceptual design.