A novel systematic approach for analysing exploratory design ideation

L Hay,A H B Duffy,M Grealy,M Tahsiri,C Mcteague,T Vuletic

doi:10.1080/09544828.2019.1662381

L Hay, A H B Duffy + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/09544828.2019.1662381

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Abstract

ABSTRACTTwo kinds of design ideation process may be distinguished in terms of the problems addressed: (i) solution-focused, i.e. generating solutions to address a fixed problem specifying a desired output; and (ii) exploratory, i.e. considering different interpretations of an open-ended problem and generating associated solutions. Existing systematic analysis approaches focus on the former; the literature is lacking such an approach for the latter. In this paper, we provide a means to systematically analyse exploratory ideation for the first time through a new approach: Analysis of Exploratory Design Ideation (AEDI). AEDI involves: (1) open-ended ideation tasks; (2) coding of explored problems and solutions from sketches; and (3) evaluating ideation performance based on coding. We applied AEDI to 812 concept sketches from 19 open-ended tasks completed during a neuroimaging study of 30 professional product design engineers. Results demonstrate that the approach provides: (i) consistent tasks that stimulate problem exploration; (ii) a reliable means of coding explored problems and solutions; and (iii) an appropriate way to rank/compare designers’ performance. AEDI enables the benefits of systematic analysis (e.g. greater comparability, replicability, and efficiency) to be realised in exploratory ideation research, and studies using open-ended problems more generally. Future improvements include increasing coding validity and reliability.

Highlights

Ideation is a salient area of interest for design researchers, and a considerable body of work exists on the topic
We developed and applied Analysis of Exploratory Design Ideation (AEDI) to analyse ideation in a neuroimaging study of 30 professional product design engineers, who produced a sample of 812 concept sketches in response to 19 open-ended ideation tasks
We provide a means to systematically analyse exploratory ideation for the first time through a new approach: Analysis of Exploratory Design Ideation (AEDI)

Summary

Introduction

Ideation is a salient area of interest for design researchers, and a considerable body of work exists on the topic. In order to analyse design ideation empirically, we need two key elements: (1) design tasks that stimulate the kind of ideation processes we wish to investigate; and (2) a suitable procedure for analysing the processes In this respect, a major approach for analysing ideation in design is the systematic, output-based approach originating in the work of Shah, Smith, and Vargas-Hernandez (2003). A major approach for analysing ideation in design is the systematic, output-based approach originating in the work of Shah, Smith, and Vargas-Hernandez (2003) This focuses on what may be termed solution-focused ideation – that is, ideation involving the generation of different solutions to a fixed problem, which is stimulated under experimental conditions using tasks that convey an output to be produced The ideation process is analysed using performance metrics, which quantify the extent to which the output solutions proposed by each designer (e.g. a car, a helicopter, and a teleporter) constitute new and different ways of addressing the requirements

Results

Discussion

Conclusion