Systematic Approach to Develop Physical Models as Creative Stimuli in Conceptual Design Phase

The conceptual design is a phase in which designers are demanded to ideate creative solutions, capable of meeting the products’ design specifications. To facilitate the ideation process, analogies based on the similarities between known systems, or external information brought to the design context, are frequently used. This information consists of concepts that are presented as stimuli for idea generation. In this regard, physical models present characteristics that allow them to be effective in creativity stimulation. However, to build relevant physical models, it is necessary to adapt information from the potential source of analogy to adequately represent it as a source of inspiration. Thus, the present work proposes a systematic approach to developing context-based physical models for creativity stimulation. The systematic was evaluated in two different design contexts by a product development experts panel. The result is that the proposed approach was considered adequate to guide the development of relevant stimuli, effectively enhancing the ideation process during the conceptual phases of product design.