An Exploratory Study for the Role of System Mind in Creative Design Thinking

Abstract

One of the key strategic aspects of creative design thinking described by Nigel Cross is taking a broad systems approach or what is called "system mind". This paper aims to clarify the "system mind" in the design process, through which novel architectural design concepts can be achieved. The general problem is to reveal the places where the system mind is used in the design process. The characteristics and context of this strategy are reconstructed from previous literature. Based on the analytical approach a case study has been conducted, and the indicators of system mind have been identified within the general frame of creative thinking. The results show that system mind is used twice effectively while shaping the body of a holistic design concept