Gamestorming for the Conceptual Design of Products and Processes in the context of engineering education

Abstract

Creating an ideal environment to develop creativity and innovation in engineering education is a real challenge. One alternative approach can be based in the application of Gamestorming methodology that considers the use of games in the process of brainstorming. Presenting the problem in a game format eludes the conventional lecturing and frees the participants to think creatively to solve problems. In this contribution, the adaptation of the Gamestorming methodology was applied in different Bachelor and Master courses of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering in the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain). The aim of this initiative was to develop students’ creativity and teamwork, where the class divided in working groups propose and assess alternatives in the Conceptual Design of Products and Processes. Specifically, two examples of the application of the methodology are provided: (i) a wood box for wine storage was remodeled according to a number of requisites: functionality, savings of energy consumption and reduction of environmental impact; (ii) the conceptual design of a treatment system for the removal of pollutants present in a gaseous stream to accomplish the targets of wide applicability and efficiency as well as reduced cost and environmental impact. A total of 129 students from 4 different academic years participated and the survey performed after completing the activity rated this methodology as a mechanism to foster their creativity in the progress of teamwork toward decision making process