The effects of explicit alternative generation techniques in consumer product design (original) (raw)

In: Advances in Cognitive Ergonomics. Kaber, David B.; Boy, Guy (ed.) CRC Press, Boca Raton, USA. pgs. 336-345. 2010. ISBN: 9781439834916. ABSTRACT: Every product design implies in a step of alternatives generation where creativity is employed. Creativity is one of the more active skills of the human beings; by it is possible to solve ergonomic problems and develop innovative ideas. The techniques able for exercising the right hemisphere of the brain, responsible for symbolic thinking and creativity, can be used in an "ad hoc" or "explicit" way. This paper presents evidence about the efficiency of their "explicit" use when compared to the "ad hoc" one, and also about which conditions can impact and be impacted in this use.