Look for our upcoming poster at CogSci 2011! Here's the abstract:

Design fixation is a common problem in engineering. In two experiments, we implement two educational interventions, prototyping and critical feedback, to help reduce design fixation, which is defined as adherence to one's own design. We found that constant prototyping across the design process reduced fixation in the final product. Surprisingly, we also found that not receiving feedback reduced fixation in the final product. Implications for engineering design education are discussed.