The idea mapping board: A tool for assessing design concepts and visualizing a team's use of the design space

This paper introduces the Idea Mapping Board, a visualization tool that supports the formation of shared mental models within design teams during concept generation and assessment. The Idea Mapping Board is intended for small teams of two to four practicing engineers or engineering students. It incorporates multiple dimensions for concept assessment based on cognitive level and cognitive style. We also present results from two pilot studies used to evaluate the effectiveness and ease of use of the Idea Mapping Board and its impact on the ideation flexibility of its users. This research is part of a larger project funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) that investigates the impact of multiple factors, methods, and tools on the ideation flexibility of engineering students and practitioners. The Idea Mapping Board was created as part of our investigation of teaming as an intervention to help users expand their exploration of the design space.