Creativity and fixation in the real world: Three case studies of invention, design and innovation. (September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crilly, Nathan; Moroşanu Firth, Roxana
• Is Part Of: Design studies. Volume 64(2019)
• Page Start: 169
• Page End: 212
• Publication Date: 2019-09
• Subjects: creative design -- creativity -- design fixation -- product development -- prototypes; Design -- Periodicals; 745.405
• DOI: 10.1016/j.destud.2019.07.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-694X

Abstract

Abstract : This paper reports on the design of three novel products: a hand saw, electrical plug and bicycle wheel. Each case study draws on interviews with the designers and analysis of their prototypes. The focus is on how the product ideas originated, how and why they changed and why those changes weren't made earlier. In emphasising the nature of creative work throughout long and complex projects, three themes are emphasised: (1) creative challenges and creative blocks can result from earlier breakthroughs (which makes them difficult to overcome); (2) multiple design spaces co-evolve at different levels of detail (not just simple problem- and solution-spaces); (3) those developing new ideas need to recognise and accept those ideas (not just generate and develop them). Highlights: Presents three new cases, each illustrated with prototype sequences. Creative blocks and breakthroughs are associated with earlier progress. Multiple design spaces are described as co-evolving at different levels of detail. Creative work is described in terms of recognising and accepting the value of ideas.