Engineering design processes, problem solving and creativity

Abstract

There is confusion as to what the terms in the title mean. None of them are clearly defined. engineering design are often confused with open-ended problems. Problem has many definitions. Creativity is much more than the prevalent free-thinking view. The lack of a common definition leads to confusion when people, faculty included, are discussing these topics. There are many listings of the steps or phases which comprise the engineering design processes. There are also many listing of the steps or phases of solving. Although completing an engineering design is solving a problem, problem is not engineering design. Engineering design and solving can be distinguished by the activities that take place during the project. Early in most descriptions of solving and the design processes, there is usually a step called search for alternatives or ideate. This implies that creativity is needed only in this step. The prevalent free-thinking view of creativity also implies that creativity will happen if all constraints and negative attitudes are removed. There are positive techniques that can help everyone become more creative. These structured creative enhancement techniques provide a tool to quantify creative skills. This quantification also makes creative skills easier to teach. These creative enhancement techniques are consistent with the structure of the engineering design processes and the phases of solving. In fact, these creative skills must be used throughout the engineering design processes to produce a better design in a shorter time!.