FAMILIARIZATION: FOSTERING CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING IN ENGINEERING DESIGN EDUCATION

Abstract

Developing the skills of creative problem solving in undergraduate engineering education is a significant challenge in the typically analytical engineering training program. The problem lies in the fact that the skills of design and creative problem solving are primarily skills of synthesis rather than analysis. Design instructors at the University of Calgary have developed an approach to design that fosters the development of synthesis skills. This paper develops Familiarization as one component of the approach necessary for creative thinking and provides a description of the classroom requirements for developing the concept.