Creativity under Strong Constraints: the Hidden Influence of Design Models traduction

Armand Hatchuel () and Milena Klasing Chen ()
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Armand Hatchuel: CGS i3 - Centre de Gestion Scientifique i3 - Mines Paris - PSL (École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris) - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - I3 - Institut interdisciplinaire de l’innovation - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
Milena Klasing Chen: SNCF, CGS i3 - Centre de Gestion Scientifique i3 - Mines Paris - PSL (École nationale supérieure des mines de Paris) - PSL - Université Paris Sciences et Lettres - I3 - Institut interdisciplinaire de l’innovation - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

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Abstract: In engineering design, constraints can stimulate creativity but are also often cited as obstacles to innovation. So do constraints hinder or foster creativity? Despite a number of studies, the reason why constraints can have a positive or a negative impact on creativity is still unknown. In this paper, we will propose, theoretically and empirically, that the link between creativity and constraints is not determined by the type of constraints, but by the type of 'design model' used. Using C-K theory, a well-documented, general, and formalized theory of design, we first prove that the dual impact of constraints on creativity is predictable. Then we use C-K operators to distinguish two different design models: rule-based design and innovative design. We show that the first model organizes a negative link between constraints and creativity while the second model enables a positive effect. We illustrate these mechanisms through the analysis of several product developments based on both secondary and primary sources.

Keywords: C-K; innovation; creativity; design theory; constraints (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cse
Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://minesparis-psl.hal.science/hal-01465689v1
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

Published in European Review, 2017, ⟨10.1017/S1062798716000557⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01465689

DOI: 10.1017/S1062798716000557

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