To Örebro University

Purpose of the paper - This paper introduces design methods as a mediating process and the produced artefact as a boundary object between different stakeholders in the management of idea generation among non-designers. This paper is multi-disciplinary, based on studies in innovation management, knowledge management and utilization of design processes in industrial management. The concepts of the boundary object and the mediating process as understood in activity theory are introduced in the conceptual part of the paper (Vygotsky, 1978). This paper seeks the answer to the explorative qualitative research question: What kinds of advantages were found when using design methods (in art-based interventions) in idea generation among non-designer engineers? At the end of the paper, some results are revealed along with an analysis of the results.

The research design and method is a qualitative approach in order to explore the usability of collaboratively made artefacts as boundary objects in idea generation situations. Furthermore, it was recognized during our study that the design methods used functioned as mediating processes between the stakeholders involved in the workshops. The data has been collected from workshop observations and survey questionnaires among the attendees. The research was conducted between 2009-2012 among non-designer engineers from industry (Aramo-Immonen and Toikka, 2009; 2010).

Originality and value of research - This methodology provides evidence that design workshops, which can be categorized as art-based interventions on a continuum of art-based initiatives (ABIs by Schiuma, 2011, p. 48), function as mediating processes and the artefacts created act as boundary objects in idea generation in the scope of innovation management.

Practical implications - The outcomes of this research can be utilized as guidelines in designing idea generation sessions in industrial management among non-designer engineers.