This research explores the effect of the structuredness of design concept generation techniques on temporal network neurocognition. Engineering graduate students (n = 30) completed three concept generation tasks using techniques with different levels of structuredness: brainstorming, morphological analysis, and TRIZ. Students’ brain activation in their prefrontal cortex (PFC) was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). The temporal dynamic of central regions in brain networks were compared between tasks. Central regions facilitate functional interaction and imply information flow through the brain. A consistent central region appears in the medial PFC. Consistent network connections occurred across both hemispheres suggesting a concurrent dual processing of divergent and convergent thinking. This study offers novel insights into the underlying neurophysiological mechanism when using these concept generation techniques.

本研究探讨了设计概念生成技术的结构化对时间网络神经认知的影响。工程研究生 ( n = 30) 使用不同层次结构的技术完成了三个概念生成任务：头脑风暴、形态分析和 TRIZ。使用功能性近红外光谱 (fNIRS) 测量学生的前额叶皮层 (PFC) 的大脑活动。比较任务之间大脑网络中央区域的时间动态。中央区域促进功能交互并暗示信息流经大脑。内侧 PFC 中出现一致的中央区域。两个半球都出现了一致的网络连接，这表明发散和收敛思维的并发双重处理。当使用这些概念生成技术时，这项研究为潜在的神经生理学机制提供了新的见解。