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Sun, Qianang; Kim, Eunyoung

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Abstract:

Fixation, as a mental activity, is usually discussed in the design process and creative expression. Several studies have conducted experiments aiming to find how to reduce the fixation in design processes and enhance creative expression. However, there is little concern about how designers deal with the fixation in their real works so as to improve the understanding of design fixation effect on the design process. Ceramic design, as a practice-based zone of design, has contributed to people’s daily lives not only as a utilitarian product, but also as a means to meet increasingly unique and aesthetic needs through creative outcomes. In this study, we propose to explore the designer’s perceptions of fixation, which is embedded in their practice process through interviewed independent ceramic designers. Thirteen participants have been recruited, and we have adopted a thematic analysis in this research. The findings show that three elements should be noted in addressing the fixation involving 1) Repetition, 2) Transformation and 3) combination. Furthermore, the design fixation should be discussed with critical thinking by combining case studies in the future. This study will benefit craft designers and related stakeholders, and also provide a reference for design education.

Keywords:

Design, Fixation, Ceramic Design, Design process, Creative expression