Quintessential design : impact on inspiration and potential for radical innovation

Abstract

Quintessential products, which are widely recognized as the definitive examples of their category, are embedded in everyday life, yet their influence on product design ideation remains largely unexplored. This study investigates how such forms shape inspiration in the creative process and whether their impact is beneficial, detrimental, or neutral. Through a multi-modal case study with design students working on product development briefs, the research captures both self-reported and observed data to reveal patterns in creative decision-making. The findings reveal that, although quintessence is not particularly perceived as highly inspirational, there is an opportunity to employ it as purposeful stimuli for overcoming creative challenges. Notably, when a negative impact emerged in the form of design fixation, employing a radical ideation method, specifically role-storming, proved highly effective in helping participants over-come this obstacle. This research offers insights into the design inspiration and education literature, offering new perspectives on the cognitive processes relating to collaborative innovation.