Information Technology Reference
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Chapter 2
Supporting Creativity in Engineering
Design: A Position Paper
Udo Lindemann
Abstract Within this paper it is not the aim to explain the mechanisms of creativity,
possibilities to measure creativity or to deliver a definition.
Based on some experience based on personal involvement and a large number of
case studies some conclusions will be presented. There are also a few critical
remarks concerning creativity related practice as well as research.
Creativity is a very complex topic! A differentiation between different kinds of
creativity is required as well as an understanding of the dependencies between
problem, situation, acting people as a minimum. Based on that a preliminary model
may be established, which should serve formulating hypotheses for further empir-
ical research. The outcome of this research may help to improve the model.
Creativity is not just inspiration; it is hard work and should be supported by
systematic procedures and methods.
Keywords Creativity • Creativity and thinking • Evaluation of creativity • System-
atic procedures
2.1 Design and Pre-design and Post-design?
Engineering Design has to generate the description/documentation of solutions/
products for the society. This has to be done in close collaboration with other
departments and roles within the processes of generation these solutions/products.
Where is the starting point and where/when does it end?
Engineering design also has to improve given products by eliminating weaknesses,
raise the efficiency, reduce cost, etc.
The phase before specification/requirements is quite often dominated by mar-
keting sales and other departments. But engineering design has to be part of it,
which was shown and argued in a number of research projects as well as in
industrial practise. So there should not be any real pre-design-phase, as long as
we discuss design (product development) cycles in a holistic way and not as a
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