Concept Generation Process Research Articles

Concept blending and dissimilarity: factors for creative concept generation process

We approached the concept generation stage in design within the framework of a concept-synthesizing process from two base concepts. We analyzed the concept generation process by comparing it with the linguistic interpretation process, from the viewpoints of thought types (property mapping, blending, and thematic relation) and recognition types (commonalities and alignable and nonalignable differences). Subjects interpreted a novel noun–noun phrase, designed a new concept from it, and listed the similarities and dissimilarities between the nouns. Blending (i.e. generating a new concept that is not included in the two base concepts but that inherits certain characteristics of the concepts) and nonalignable differences (i.e. the recognized differences that are unrelated to the common structure) characterize the creative concept generation process.

Role of Concept Blending and Dissimilarity in Creative Concept Generation Process: Comparisons between the Linguistic Interpretation Task and Design Task

Role of Concept Blending and Dissimilarity in Creative Concept Generation Process: Comparisons between the Linguistic Interpretation Task and Design Task

The relationship between research and design in landscape architecture

A study was undertaken to explore the incorporation of research into the landscape architectural design process. A review of the literature revealed five discrete models by which research is integrated into design: concept–test; analysis–synthesis; experiencial; complex intellectual activity; and associationist. In-depth interviews with eight landscape architecture educators and a mail-in survey of all landscape architecture educators in North America failed to confirm the utility of these five models. Instead, a different kind of model emerged from the results. In this model, research is incorporated at three stages of the design process: before design; during design; and after design. Before design, there appear to be two categories of research: indirect (which includes intrinsic research, library research, and review of precedents and case studies); and direct (which includes site inventory and analysis). During design, research seems to have two key roles: influencing the concept generation process and the application of the concept on the site. Five models emerged for using research during design: artistic, intuitive, adaptive, analytical, and systematic. Finally, after design research has two roles: evaluation of design, and justification of design. This categorization, as elucidated by educators, provides insight into the landscape architecture design process and its communication and teaching.

Use of finite element method in trailer deck design

The employment of the finite element (FE) method in conceptual and detail design of a secondary deck platform for trailer bodies is presented. The main objective of the project is to design a versatile, light and cheap secondary deck. To assist the designer with sufficient means for the concept generation and evaluation process, the FE method is used in order to gain fair structural analysis data. Assistance from the computer software stimulates creativity, reduces the time required in the design process, and eventually increases probability to gain customer satisfaction. This approach is precise enough for comparison purposes at this stage of the design process. The structural data gained is compared mainly with weight and access criteria.

Software design: concept generation as part of formal and informal processes

This paper examines the relationship between formal product development management tools and actual business processes in a world class company, NCR, Dundee, Scotland, UK, whose manufactured products include significant associated computer software written and designed in-house. After providing some background to the company and the research project which has led to this paper, a detailed case study of the software design and development processes in NCR is presented. This is contrasted with the formal management approach NCR is endeavoring to follow. The authors identify some key inconsistencies between the two processes and consider the implications for improving the management of the concept generation process.