Abstract
This study explores the impact of the retrievable words used in example searching for creative inspiration in product design. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods. A controlled experiment was conducted. First, the target objects were named according to common naming practices, using these names as basic words. Next, near, medium and distant words were selected based on their semantic distance from the basic words. Then, the chosen four words were used as retrievable words and image retrieval was conducted for each one separately. Finally, the retrieved images served as stimuli for four different groups of participants, with each group serving as a control for the others. The effects of design creativity inspiration following the stimulation from the experimental materials were observed and compared across the four groups. All four groups exhibited varying degrees of idea generation after being stimulated. Medium-distance words triggered more open-ended idea generation from participants, characterized by a departure from existing concepts. During the sample searching process, the choice of search terms affects the creative inspiration of the searcher. Using medium-distance words as search terms for image retrieval yields the best effects for creative inspiration. In contrast, using basic words, near-distance words, and distant words results in ineffective stimulation. Additionally, this inspiration effect is self-concealing, meaning that the searcher may not recognize the negative impact of such stimulation. As a result, this can lead to design closure during the design process.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Example Search Retrievable words Design thinking Creative Inspiration Semantic Distance
