The Effects of Background upon Engineering Design Expertise – A Sino Occidental Comparison

Abstract:

To date the majority of research into engineering design expertise has been done within an occidental context. With an increase in multinational design firms engineers are now more likely to work with engineers of different backgrounds. The authors’ experience in countries other than their own suggested that background can affect design engineers’ thinking and working, and the nature of expertise. This prompted a study (via interviews) into design teams with mixed (by nationality) members. This investigation into occidental and Sino backgrounds and engineering design expertise showed that a Sino background encouraged low risk reliable designs and detailed thinking while an occidental background promoted unique ideas, systemic thinking and the use of objective knowledge. However, individual change and improvement is possible.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 215-216)
• Pages: 452-467
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.215-216.452
• Online since: November 2012
• Authors: Amanda Newing, Sarah van der Waal, Clint Steele
• Keywords: Culture, Design Cognition, Engineering Design, Logic of Design, Psychology of Design

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