Short answer
Designers should be aware of their own cognitive processes during conceptualization, consciously employing both structured search and exploratory techniques to foster innovation.
- Field
- Modelling
- Source
- Design Science (2017)
- Method
- Systematic Review
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Conceptual design involves a dynamic interplay between systematic search for solutions and open-ended exploration of possibilities, drawing on memory, reasoning, and visual processes. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2017 study published in Design Science. Using Systematic review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should be aware of their own cognitive processes during conceptualization, consciously employing both structured search and exploratory techniques to foster innovation.
Conceptual Design: A Blend of Structured Search and Creative Exploration
Conceptual design involves a dynamic interplay between systematic search for solutions and open-ended exploration of possibilities, drawing on memory, reasoning, and visual processes.
Design Science · 2017
Key Findings
- 01Conceptual design can be viewed through two lenses: design as search (focusing on solution finding and problem structuring) and design as exploration (emphasizing co-evolution, visual reasoning, and discovery).
- 02Common cognitive processes across studies include memory retrieval, working memory, reasoning, visual reasoning, and associative processes.
- 03Significant conceptual and terminological differences exist across studies, hindering the development of unified models.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers should be aware of their own cognitive processes during conceptualization, consciously employing both structured search and exploratory techniques to foster innovation.
How to apply
When developing design software or facilitating design workshops, consider features that support both structured information retrieval and freeform ideation, and encourage diverse approaches to problem-solving.
Project actions
- 01When documenting your conceptual design process, clearly distinguish between moments of structured searching and moments of open exploration.
- 02Consider how your chosen design tools might support or hinder these different cognitive modes.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Comprehensive systematic review of a significant number of studies.
- +Categorization of cognitive processes into two distinct viewpoints (search and exploration).
Limitations
The original studies reviewed might have had limited sample sizes or specific disciplinary focuses, which could affect the generalizability of the findings.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the review depends on the systematic methodology employed in selecting and analyzing studies. Validity is supported by the breadth of disciplines covered, but may be limited by the inherent variability and subjective nature of protocol study data.
Think critically
Given the identified terminological differences, how can designers effectively communicate their conceptual design processes to others without relying on a shared ontology?
Design Principles
"Conceptual design is a dual process of structured search and creative exploration, leveraging memory, reasoning, and visual cognition."
Understanding these dual cognitive modes is crucial for developing effective design tools and training methodologies. It highlights the need for environments that support both structured problem-solving and spontaneous idea generation.
What This Means for Your Design
When designers come up with new ideas, they often do it in two ways: by looking for answers in a structured way, or by exploring different possibilities freely. Both ways use memory, thinking, and visual skills.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this review when discussing the cognitive aspects of your conceptual design phase, particularly if you employed methods that align with either search or exploration.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The conceptual design phase of this project involved cognitive processes that can be understood through the lens of design as both search and exploration. Moments of structured searching, such as [mention specific action], were balanced with periods of creative exploration, like [mention specific action], reflecting the dual nature of conceptualization identified in systematic reviews of design cognition.
Source
Design Science
A systematic review of protocol studies on conceptual design cognition: Design as search and exploration
journal · 2017
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about conceptual design: a blend of structured search and creative exploration?
- Designers should be aware of their own cognitive processes during conceptualization, consciously employing both structured search and exploratory techniques to foster innovation. Evidence: Design Science (2017).
- Why does "Conceptual Design: A Blend of Structured Search and Creative Exploration" matter for design?
- Understanding these dual cognitive modes is crucial for developing effective design tools and training methodologies. It highlights the need for environments that support both structured problem-solving and spontaneous idea generation.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers should be aware of their own cognitive processes during conceptualization, consciously employing both structured search and exploratory techniques to foster innovation.
- What were the main findings?
- Conceptual design can be viewed through two lenses: design as search (focusing on solution finding and problem structuring) and design as exploration (emphasizing co-evolution, visual reasoning, and discovery).. Common cognitive processes across studies include memory retrieval, working memory, reasoning, visual reasoning, and associative processes.. Significant conceptual and terminological differences exist across studies, hindering the development of unified models.
- What research method was used?
- Systematic Review.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2017 journal from Design Science.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When developing design software or facilitating design workshops, consider features that support both structured information retrieval and freeform ideation, and encourage diverse approaches to problem-solving.
- What are the limitations?
- The review identified considerable conceptual and terminological differences among studies, potentially affecting the synthesis of findings.