The Investigation on the Effects of Prior Experience on the Product designers' Creativity

Abstract

As a creative problem solving process, product design involves designers' prior experience. This study investigates the effects of prior experience on the product designers' creativity as well as notes the differences in their design process. The sketches from a design task performed by senior and graduate students in product design department are examined via Zaltman Metaphor Elicitation Technique. The mental map revealed the difference of their design process according to the different degree of prior experience. Furthermore, the sketches are rated by four expert designers by Creative Assessment Technique. We found that product designers with higher prior experience can produce more creative outcomes. Theoretical and practical implications of these finding are discussed.