This research explores the application of neuro-cognitive feedback in enhancing the ideation phase of engineering design. Brainstorming is identified as a dominant method for ideation, relying on cognitive processes linked to memory. Neuro-cognitive feedback is introduced as a technique to maintain high cognitive responses during ideation by providing information about brain states, aiding in semantic processing and attention. The study employs functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for neuro-cognitive feedback (NF), showing its advantages in spatial and temporal resolution, mobility, and cost over EEG and fMRI. This feedback method involves placing sensors in a headband on the forehead to measure cortical activity and provide real-time feedback to participants. The technique has been validated in various fields, including medicine, sports, and the arts, for enhancing cognitive and creative performance. A key focus of the research is on the effects of neuro-cognitive feedback on ideation and brain behavior. The research method involved recruiting engineering graduate students, employing various design tasks, and using fNIRS for data collection and analysis. It reveals differences in brain behavior between the baseline and neuro-cognitive feedback sessions, particularly in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), which is associated with generating new ideas. Multiple neurofeedback sessions showed performance improvements in engineering design tasks, with changes in task-related oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex. The study concludes that neuro-cognitive feedback enhances ideation by providing a sustained high cognitive response, aiding in self-regulatory control of brain activity, and improving performance in various cognitive tasks. The results indicate significant improvements in ideation fluency and time spent on tasks with neurofeedback, suggesting its effectiveness in enhancing cognitive functions in engineering design. / Master of Science / This study investigates how neuro-cognitive feedback can improve the brainstorming phase of engineering design. Brainstorming, a method in design ideation, provides concrete quantitative results to compare idea production. The research evaluates neuro-cognitive feedback to boost cognitive activity during brainstorming by monitoring brain states to assist in understanding and attention. It utilizes a technology called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) for this purpose. This technique, which has proven benefits in fields such as athletics and the arts, involves a headband with sensors that measure brain activity and provide immediate feedback.
The research focused on civil engineering graduate students, using various design tasks and fNIRS for data gathering and analysis. It found that neuro-cognitive feedback impacts a brain area that contributes to the creation of new ideas and the cohort saw improved performance in engineering tasks. The results highlight that the multiple interventions help manage brain activity and improve task performance. The findings suggest that this method significantly boosts the efficiency and duration of brainstorming sessions in engineering design, showing its potential to enhance cognitive skills.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:VTETD/oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/117336 |
| Date | 10 January 2024 |
| Creators | Walker, Emma Hayden |
| Contributors | Civil and Environmental Engineering, Shealy, Earl Wade, Gero, John S., Jazizadeh Karimi, Farrokh |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech |
| Source Sets | Virginia Tech Theses and Dissertation |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | ETD, application/pdf |
| Rights | In Copyright, http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/ |
Page generated in 0.0057 seconds