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A Comparative Analysis of Problem Solving Approaches Between Designers and Engineers

Taylor, William D
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1409048770

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Fine Arts, Ohio State University, Industrial, Interior Visual Communication Design.
Studying as a designer and working with engineers revealed differences between the disciplines that affect communication. The increasingly complex problems facing society require specialists to manage. Increased specialization can lead to confusion when communicating across disciplines. Designers and engineers both provide vital services to industry and it is important that they be able to work with each other as effectively as possible. With a focus on the two academic disciplines of design and engineering, I have attempted to explore whether collaboration between the two can be positively impacted. Participants from each field of study were asked to complete a series of evaluations to determine their problem solving tendencies, learning styles, and patterns in thinking. They were then asked to present their problem solving process for approaching a set of complex contemporary issues. Engineers tend to fall into logical and rational thinking patterns and are more likely to be seen as linear thinkers. Designers differ in their approach to problem solving when there is an opportunity for abstract and innovative thinking. A practical application of this information would require the contributions of both designers and engineers throughout the design and development process. Interaction between disciplines should take place in the form of information exchange, discussions, and informal dialogues. These goals can be achieved through common workspaces, support from management, and strong leadership.
Paul Nini (Advisor)
Elizabeth Sanders, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Philip Smith, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
118 p.
Design; Engineering
design; designer; designers; engineering; engineer; engineers; problem solving; linear thinking; lateral thinking; collaboration; design thinking; complex problems; wicked problems;

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Taylor, W. D. (2014). A Comparative Analysis of Problem Solving Approaches Between Designers and Engineers [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1409048770

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Taylor, William. A Comparative Analysis of Problem Solving Approaches Between Designers and Engineers . 2014. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1409048770.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Taylor, William. "A Comparative Analysis of Problem Solving Approaches Between Designers and Engineers ." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1409048770

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1409048770
1,577
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.