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Knowledge Base Repository

In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.

Comparing neural patterns of high and low performers in adapted alternate-use design tasks for idea generation

Jian, Peiying (1); Gero, John S. (2); Zhang, Jiaying (1); Olechowski, Alison (1)

Type:
Papers
DS 145: Proceedings of the DESIGN2026 19th International Design Conference
Year:
2026
Editor:
Štorga, M.; Škec, S.; Martinec, T.; Marjanović, D.; Pavković, N.
Author:
Jian, Peiying (1); Gero, John S. (2); Zhang, Jiaying (1); Olechowski, Alison (1)
Series:
DESIGN
Institution:
1: Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Toronto, Canada; 2: Psychological and Brain Sciences, Drexel University, United States of America
Page(s):
1031-1040
DOI number:
10.1017/pds.2026.10461
ISSN:
2732-527X (Online)
Abstract:
This study examines neural differences between high- and low-performing designers using EEG. Participants viewed an image of IKEA furniture and created alternative designs. Performance was evaluated based on the composite of fluency, flexibility and originality scores. Results reveal that high-performing designers exhibited greater beta and gamma frequency band power in frontal and right-frontal regions compared to low-performers. Although these differences did not remain significant after multiple-comparison correction, their large effect sizes suggest meaningful neural distinctions. 
Keywords:
idea generation, design research, design cognition, design creativity, early design phase
DESIGN2026 - The 19th International Design Conference
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