Creativity and parametric design? Comparing designer's cognitive approaches with assessed levels of creativity

Since its inception, computational parametric design has been promoted as a means of supporting heightened creativity. In order to test three common claims about parametric design and creativity, this article describes the results of a study that compares the cognitive processes of a small set of designers, with the results of an independent assessment of the levels of creativity visible in their work. Specifically, using a combination of protocol analysis (of the design process) and consensual assessment (of the design outcome), the research explores three suggested indicators of a connection between cognitive activities and creativity. The three indicators are geometry versus algorithm use, problem-driven versus solution-driven processes, and expert versus novice activities. Through this research, the article contributes to a heightened understanding of the actual, rather than theorized, relationship between parametric design and creativity.