dc.description.abstract | One of the main characteristics of the Strategic Design concept adopted in this
research is the use of a design method that proposes a stage called metadesign - a
space for discussion of the design problem. At this stage, a special type of tool is used, called Blue Sky research. It is essentially composed by visual references, that
are external to the design context, and reveals trends and offers useful stimuli in the
project. The purpose of this investigation is to reflect about the role of images not
directly related to the design problems - indirect references - as inspiration sources
for the creative design process. To do so, several aspects are reviewed, such as the
"Wicked problem" and it's solution process; creative process; and usage of images
as reference. A exploratory research, which includes the development of linkographs,
is proposed in order to evaluate how these specific images are used during the
project process. Evidence is presented, showing that indirect references help the
formulation of conceptual ideas, by increasing the reflection time of the individuals
about the problem and about the solution. | en |