METHODS FOR IDEATION: REVIEWING EARLY PHASE CONCEPT GENERATION AMONG INDUSTRIAL DESIGN ENGINEER STUDENTS
Year: 2015
Editor: Guy Bingham, Darren Southee, John McCardle, Ahmed Kovacevic, Erik Bohemia, Brian Parkinson
Author: Conradie, Peter D; Nafzger, Ralph; Vanneste, Cies; De Marez, Lieven; Saldien, Jelle
Series: E&PDE
Institution: 1Department of Industrial Systems Engineering and Product Design - Ghent University, 2Howest University College, Kortrijk, Belgium, 3iMinds-MICT-Ghent University, Department of Communication Sciences - Ghent University
Section: Creativity
Page(s): 626-631
ISBN: 978-1-904670-62-9
Abstract
Developing and teaching method design remain an important component of many product design and
engineering courses. Several scholars have shown that the use of ideation methods may result in better
concepts. Yet students do not actively use many methods. In order to understand which ideation
methods are used by students during the early phases of concept generation, we examined student
journals kept during the length of a practice-based course where students worked on tangible
interfaces. Students were not specifically instructed to use any specific method. Our study reveals that
students use a limited assortment of ideation methods as part of the early phases of concept generation,
often restricting themselves to unstructured brainstorms, finding inspiration from existing products and
services. Our study raises questions about method use and education.
Keywords: Design methods, brainstorming, education, conceptual design, ideation