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Memory retrieval among design students: an analysis of differences from various precedent types and distances.

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Title: Memory retrieval among design students: an analysis of differences from various precedent types and distances.
Authors: Shen, Danni1 (AUTHOR), Xu, Rongrong1 (AUTHOR), Yao, Xuelin1 (AUTHOR), Qin, Jiapei1 (AUTHOR), Bao, Defu1,2 (AUTHOR) defubao@zstu.edu.cn, Yu, Yuxiang1 (AUTHOR)
Source: International Journal of Technology & Design Education. Jul2026, Vol. 36 Issue 3, p1283-1303. 21p.
Subjects: Design students, Design thinking, Recollection (Psychology), Originality
Abstract: Design precedents serve as essential sources of inspiration for designers. However, a lack of awareness of their own experiences and knowledge may hinder designers in developing effective design strategies. Therefore, it is important for designers to adopt methods that facilitate understanding and optimizing the process of utilizing design precedents. This study is to analyse the impact of precedents types and their distance from the design goal on design creativity. We collected data from 26 graduate students engaged in design tasks that involved the use of design precedents. After coding the types and distances of precedents, we performed statistical analysis. The results showed that, in both number and duration, episodic precedents (EP) significantly surpassed semantic precedents (SP). Additionally, medium-distance precedents (D2P) had significantly greater numbers and durations in comparison to near-distance precedents (D1P) and far-distance precedents (D3P). Regarding idea creativity, D3P showed a significant positive impact on innovation, whereas D1P had a negative impact. Furthermore, there was a clear interaction between SP and D3P, as well as between EP and D1P. These findings suggest that flexible use of different types and distances of design precedents can effectively improve the efficiency and quality of design results, and they provide valuable directions for future research in design behaviour analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:Design precedents serve as essential sources of inspiration for designers. However, a lack of awareness of their own experiences and knowledge may hinder designers in developing effective design strategies. Therefore, it is important for designers to adopt methods that facilitate understanding and optimizing the process of utilizing design precedents. This study is to analyse the impact of precedents types and their distance from the design goal on design creativity. We collected data from 26 graduate students engaged in design tasks that involved the use of design precedents. After coding the types and distances of precedents, we performed statistical analysis. The results showed that, in both number and duration, episodic precedents (EP) significantly surpassed semantic precedents (SP). Additionally, medium-distance precedents (D2P) had significantly greater numbers and durations in comparison to near-distance precedents (D1P) and far-distance precedents (D3P). Regarding idea creativity, D3P showed a significant positive impact on innovation, whereas D1P had a negative impact. Furthermore, there was a clear interaction between SP and D3P, as well as between EP and D1P. These findings suggest that flexible use of different types and distances of design precedents can effectively improve the efficiency and quality of design results, and they provide valuable directions for future research in design behaviour analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:09577572
DOI:10.1007/s10798-025-10039-6