Abstract

This paper discusses the application of semiotics as a unifying framework to understand and improve creativity in engineering design. The study focuses on how concepts change as signs in design processes and stresses the role of analogy and metaphor in creative reasoning. The study illustrates, with a qualitative methodology, the case studies and thematic analysis, that semiotic processes greatly influence the creative value of designs, filling the gap between human creativity and computational design. Findings indicated that the application of semiotics in various design methodologies would unify several design methodologies in order to reveal how these semiotic systems promote the dynamic development of concepts, innovative ways of solving problems, and the integration of computational tools in creative design. Despite the promise, challenges persist in fully capturing human-like creativity and seamless interdisciplinary integration. The study suggests directions for future research to improve the semiotic theories and further their application in engineering design, which will, in turn, improve creative processes..