Study on related search terms stimuli for creative concept generation

Abstract

This research aims to improve creativity in design concept generation by using words, particularly from Google’s related search terms, as stimuli. Outputs are based on design concepts which are ideas that motivate major decisions in the design process. To draft initial design concepts, more information and stimuli could help in the early-stage planning which is called concept generation. Successful concept development is highly valuable that designers exercise and make an effort to secure it.

In this study, it is hypothesized that word stimuli, which are presented by Google’s related search terms, would improve the quality of design concepts. Specifically, which level of related stimuli has the effect of increasing concept creativity, would be determined. To prove the objectives there are secondary objectives: Understanding the connection between word stimuli and creative cognition. And understanding of how de-signers use words within concept generation. This will enable the use of word stimuli to facilitate design.

In total, four main experiments were conducted to verify the effects of related search terms stimuli on concept generation. Two types of experimental methodologies were used: pen and paper and think aloud. Through pen and paper, participants indicated their concepts on paper with words and drawings. Think aloud method is to instruct participants to verbalize all thoughts as they worked on the tasks. Pen and paper experi-ment was simple and explicit and think aloud method allowed the insight of designers’ cognition concerning the stimuli words. Pen and paper experiments were held for 3 experiments. Think aloud experiment was held for the last experiment. The objective was achieved by measuring and analyzing concept creativity and the processes of creative cognition. For both methods, participants provided with several problems and related search terms which are searched by 5 levels through Google search. For 4 experiments, related search terms we...