The hybrid zone in divergent and convergent thinking

Abstract

The hybrid zone occurs between divergent and convergent thinking. In divergent thinking, the designer generates as many design solutions as possible, typically utilizing hand-drawing techniques. In convergent thinking, the designer selects the best ideas to refine and develop into computer-generated drawings. As the use of computers in design education grew, the software and methods of drawing with software have continued to be used as a means to an end. That is, computer software has been utilized in the production of the already-completed design. Much in the same way that designers have made decisions to draw with markers or coloured pencils, computers and software applications simply have become another option for design production. As such, many schools began teaching computer applications as separate stand-alone courses that supplemented a design studio and were not integrated into the studio. Innovation and creativity take effort, refinement and development. Designers must spend time engaged in divergent thinking in order to produce innovative and creative work.