A theoretical model of design fixation. Issue 3 (2nd October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nguyen, Thanh An; Zeng, Yong
• Is Part Of: International journal of design creativity and innovation. Volume 5:Issue 3/4(2017)
• Page Start: 185
• Page End: 204
• Publication Date: 2017-10-02
• Subjects: Design fixation -- expected fitness -- perceived fitness -- theoretical model -- fixation assessment; Design -- 21st century -- Periodicals; Design; 620.0042
• DOI: 10.1080/21650349.2016.1207566
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2165-0357

Abstract

Abstract: Design fixation describes a phenomenon in which designers fail to solve a design problem due to their strong mental attachment to an internal or external inspiring source. A number of empirical research studies aimed at identifying the causes behind design fixation and developing approaches for overcoming it. In this paper, we propose a theoretical model of design fixation in which the concepts of perceived fitness and expected fitness are introduced. Interpretation of existing findings on fixation and hypotheses are derived to show the applications of the model. In addition, a method of evaluation of design fixation is introduced and demonstrated with an example.