Metrics for measuring ideation effectiveness

Systematic methods for idea generation in engineering design have come about from a variety of sources. Do these methods really aid ideation? Some empirical studies have been conducted by researchers to answer this question. These studies include highly controlled lab experiments by cognitive psychologists, as well as experiments in simulated design environments carried out by engineering design theorists. A key factor in design and analysis of empirical studies is characterization and measurement of ideation effectiveness. This paper describes four objective measures of ideation effectiveness. The theoretical basis of each is discussed and procedures for application of each are outlined and illustrated with case studies.