Creative Thinking for Conceptual Engineering Design — A Conceptual Model

Abstract

Engineers are the group of professionals that deals with complex technical problems where they are to come up with new solutions, systems and products that are crucial for the wellbeing of humankind. In order to handle these design works effectively, engineers definitely requires creativity. Creativity was once considered as gift to selected few. Recent research however has indicated otherwise. Numerous research has concluded that creativity is a skill that can be taught as well as acquired through training. Recent research conducted also indicated that creativity, which is also one of the vital skills for the engineers in the 21st century, have reduced significantly. There is a need to for engineering educators in Malaysia to address this issue. This paper presents a proposal for research that is able to assess the current creativity level of engineering undergraduates in Malaysia specifically related Mechanical Design. A Creative Thinking Techniques Module specifically catered for conceptual engineering design is presented. The research objectives and abridged methodology is also presented