NDLI: Exploration and exploitation in engineering design: Examining the effects of prior knowledge on creativity and ideation

Content Provider	IEEE Xplore Digital Library
Author	Goncher, A. Johri, A. Kothaneth, S. Lohani, V.
Copyright Year	2009
Description	Author affiliation: Virginia Tech, USA (Goncher, A.; Johri, A.; Kothaneth, S.; Lohani, V.)
Abstract	In this paper, we contribute to the work on design thinking and learning by examining students' creativity within engineering design activities. In particular, we investigate how students explore novel solutions while exploiting prior knowledge. We present findings from a field study of a nine-week long design project where student design teams worked on renewable energy solutions for a farm in New Hampshire. The data for this study comes from a larger effort where we collected data on multiple student teams, however in this paper we focus on one design team using video, audio, survey and interview data. The variation in design solutions offered by the design team and their prior experiences suggest a link between exploitation - using what they know - and exploration - applying the knowledge in novel ways. Students started with easily available alternative solutions to the problem, engaging in discussion around those solutions, and then exploring the possibility of applying that solution within the constraints of the design space. Prior experience was related to the conception for the final design irrespective of the novelty of the solution. However, students' self perceived experience with design and technology was not as strongly correlated with assessment of the final design.
Starting Page	1
Ending Page	7
File Size	573539
Page Count	7
File Format	PDF
ISBN	9781424447152
ISSN	01905848
DOI	10.1109/FIE.2009.5350620
Language	English
Publisher	Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
Publisher Date	2009-10-18
Publisher Place	USA
Access Restriction	Subscribed
Rights Holder	Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
Subject Keyword	Design engineering Knowledge engineering Space technology Process design Power engineering and energy Renewable energy resources Sparks Design methodology Engineering education Product design Exploitation Creativity Engineering design Technology Exploration
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Education Computer Science Applications Software

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