Systematic Creativity Tools for Product Concept Generation: Evaluation of Learning Experiences in Engineering Design Education

This study considers the use of systematic creativity tools for concept generation belonging to C-K theory and TRIZ, in addition to traditional ones used for product development. The aim of this study is twofold. On one hand, it aims to contribute to the improvement of the creative and innovation skills of engineering students and designers in general by the introduction of specific creativity enhancement tools. On the other hand, it proposes a method for evaluating the training and learning outcomes of the students involved in the courses based on Kirkpatrick’s Four Levels of Evaluation and used a questionnaire to collect students' answers and opinions. This way, some practical cases are carried on and two of these are presented in detail: one concerning the ideation of a new kind of gym towel and one concerning the analysis of a knee implant for total knee replacement surgery for possible improvements. The questionnaire results show that students considered the training and learning experiences and the use of the two new methods in a positive way. In particular, TRIZ method represents the most appreciated at all, while C-K theory is revealed as the newest one and very promising for the students’ future professional development.