Rolling with the punches: An examination of team performance in a design task subject to drastic changes. (January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McComb, Christopher; Cagan, Jonathan; Kotovsky, Kenneth
• Is Part Of: Design studies. Volume 36(2015)
• Page Start: 99
• Page End: 121
• Publication Date: 2015-01
• Subjects: design methodology -- design cognition -- collaborative design -- problem solving; Design -- Periodicals; 745.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.destud.2014.10.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-694X

Abstract

Abstract : Designers must often create solutions to problems that exhibit dynamic characteristics. For instance, a client might modify specifications after design has commenced, or a competitor may introduce a new technology or feature. This paper presents a cognitive study that was conducted to explore the manner in which design teams respond to such situations. In the study, teams of undergraduate engineering students sought to solve a design task that was subject to two large, unexpected changes in problem formulation that were introduced during solving. High- and low-performing teams demonstrated very different approaches to solving the problem and overcoming the changes. The results indicate that there may exist a relationship between problem characteristics and fruitful solution strategies. Highlights: High- and low-performing teams varied in the methods they used to solve a problem. Low-performing teams showed extended periods of high divergence. High-performing teams developed simple final design solutions. High-performing teams also extensively searched specific areas of the space.