DSJ Thematic Collection on

Design Creativity through Multiple Lenses

Perspectives across Disciplines and Regions

The Design Science Journal Thematic Collection on “Design Creativity through Multiple Lenses: Perspectives across Disciplines and Regions” aims to present an overarching vision of the diverse perspectives in design creativity studies today, and its ability to resonate empathy and harmony in society. This collection aspires to collate studies from across different disciplines, cultures, and ethos, and to gather insights that inform design research, education, and practice.

Design creativity can be seen through multiple lenses: those of the artist, sociologist, neurologist, cognitive scientist, architect, designer, and, of course, the user. Expertise and education, together with socio-cultural values and philosophical disposition, shape how creativity is understood. However, a common thread across these varied definitions is the quality of inspiration and the ability to create desirable forms and experiences in society. This thematic collection therefore seeks to investigate perspectives on creativity from across disciplines and regions.

Creativity is inherent to design and acts as a catalyst for refiguring and co-creating a better, more harmonious future. Through this thematic collection, we aim not only to bring global societies closer together, but also to create stronger synergy within the design research community.

Guest Editors

• Dr Shakuntala Acharya, IIT Guwahati, India — shakuntala.a@iitg.ac.in
• Dr Akane Matsumae, Kyushu University, Japan — matsumae@design.kyushu-u.ac.jp
• Prof. Pascal Le Masson, MINES ParisTech, France — pascal.le_masson@mines-paristech.fr

Type of Paper

We welcome papers that present new fundamental or applied research, as well as review papers and position papers, in one or more of the topics under this theme. We particularly encourage reflections on cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural intersectionality, with the aim of celebrating diversity and fostering empathy and harmony.

Papers may be classified as position papers, review papers, or research papers, and should ideally:

• Review the history and state of the art of the chosen dimension.
• Identify issues and gaps through critical assessment of the literature.
• Describe the research conducted, where applicable.
• Provide recommendations for design research, education, and practice, where applicable.

Thematic Collection Topics

Suggestive, but not limited to:

• Design cognition, ideation, and inspiration.
• Interaction, communication, and interpersonal factors of creativity.
• Co-creation, intersubjectivity, empathy, resonance, and social creativity.
• Human-oriented design, design thinking, art thinking, and generativity.
• Creativity from the perspective of perception, experience, emotion, mindfulness, and well-being.
• Creativity in the context of sustainable innovation and social innovation.
• Creativity supported by design approaches, methods, and tools.

Important Dates

Important Instructions for Submission

Please note that this thematic collection follows a two-step submission process.

Step 1

An extended abstract of the proposed paper must first be submitted by email to the Guest Editors. The thematic collection editorial board will review the abstracts and inform authors whether, and how, they should proceed with a full paper.

Step 2

Full papers based on accepted abstracts must then be submitted through the Design Science Journal website in the usual way for full peer review. Acceptance of an abstract does not imply acceptance of the final paper.

Papers received after the deadlines will still be considered, but they may not be included in the collection depending on the time required for review and completion.