Studying Design Fixation with a Computer Game

Example of a computer-based game that can be used to study the design process

Abstract

Design Fixation is a phenomenon where designers unknowingly limit the space within which they search for solutions. That is, they become 'blinded' to solutions other than the ones they are considering. This can be a problem in professional practice, and also in educational settings. The established research methods that are used to study design fixation suffer from a number of weaknesses, including limited data collection and highly subjective analysis. To address this, we propose using an adapted computer-based version of the experimental paradigm originally used to study process fixation, also called Mental Set or the Einstellung Effect. This will permit better data capture, a more objective analysis of design behaviour and also allow us to connect design fixation research to a broader set of psychological studies.

Abstract/Paper

Authors: M. Neroni, L.A. Vasconcelos, N. Crilly (Cambridge)