Initial mental representations of design problems: Differences between experts and novices

Defining and structuring wicked design problems has a major influence on subsequent problem solving, and demands a considerable level of skill. Previous research on mental representations in design is scarce, and has been largely based on students or individual experts. This study explored the differences in the initial mental representations of real-life product development problems between advanced product development engineering students and recommended, professional experts. Expert mental representations were found to demonstrate superior extent, depth and level of detail, accommodating more interconnections and being more geared toward action. The results indicate that targeting relevancy perceptions to locate interconnections and promote proactivity can be a key factor in developing product development education to better match the requirements faced by professionals.

► Expertise effects in the mental representations of design briefs are explored.
►  Expert initial mental representations are more extensive than those of novices.
►  Experts identify more information needs and sources relevant to the task.
► Experts note more interconnections of information in their mental representations.
►  Experts demonstrate higher levels of proactivity already in the representation stage.