Design fixation: Classifications and modern methods of prevention
Abstract
The term design fixation is often used interchangeably to refer to situations where designers limit their creative output because of an overreliance on features of preexisting designs, or more generally, an overreliance on a specific body of knowledge directly associated with a problem. In this paper, we argue that interdisciplinary interest in design fixation has led to increasingly broad definitions of the phenomenon that may be undermining empirical research efforts, educational efforts to minimize fixation, and the acquisition and dissemination of transdisciplinary knowledge about fixation effects. To address these issues, we recommend that researchers consider categorizing fixation phenomena into one of three classifications: unconscious adherence to the influence of prior designs, conscious blocks to change, and intentional resistance to new ideas. Next, we distinguish between concept-based design fixation, fixation to a specific class of known design concepts, and knowledge-based design fixation, fixation to a problem-specific knowledge base. With these distinctions in place, we propose a system of orders of design fixation, recommend methods for reducing fixation in inventive design, and recommend areas that are in need of further research within the field of design science.
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One strategy to snap participants out of fixation is to have timely warnings to consider alternative options.
“One strategy to snap participants out of fixation is to have timely warnings to consider alternative options [76].”
From The Effects of Generative AI on Design Fixation and Divergent Thinking (2024) · cites this paper as [76]
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- Authors
- Youmans, R. J., & Arciszewski, T.
- Affiliations
- George Mason University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Youmans, Robert J.
- Venue
- Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Design, Analysis and Manufacturing
- Publisher
- Cambridge University Press (CUP)
- Published
- 2014-05
- Volume
- 28
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 129-137
- ISSN
- 0890-0604 (ISSN-L)
- 1469-1760
- OpenAlex
- W2109147217
- Cited by
- 121
- References
- 62
- Citations by year
- 2026: 8 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 11 · 2021: 16 · 2020: 15 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 6 · 2015: 2 · 2014: 1
- FWCI
- 6.60
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Artificial intelligence for engineering design analysis and manufacturing (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Engineering › Mechanical Engineering › Design Education and Practice
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Creativity in Education and Neuroscience
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Innovative Human-Technology Interaction
- Keywords
- design fixation, design creativity, inventive design, design education, transdisciplinary knowledge, resistance to new ideas
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