Aim: The aim of the study is to investigate the influence of using 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) modeling tools in the idea generation phase of the product design process on designer’s creativity. Method: The two-stage empirical study inspired by the Torrance Test of Creative Thinking used to measure the creativity of individuals was conducted with the participation of 20 new generation designers. Participants were asked to develop ideas for two product definitions by using hand sketching for the first stage and CAD modeling for the second. The product ideas generated were evaluated comparatively by 20 design experts considering Guilford's three creativity measures: flexibility, originality, and elaboration. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to analyze the finding regarding the significance of the difference between evaluations. In addition, a questionnaire was conducted to provide support while interpreting the results of the empirical work. Results: The results indicated that ideas generated by hand sketching were evaluated more flexible and original compared with the ideas by CAD modeling, however, the results of the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test showed that there were no statistically significant differences between the experts’ evaluations. Therefore, it was concluded that CAD usage in idea generation phase could affect each designer differently in terms of flexibility and originality. But in terms of elaboration measure, it was observed that using CAD modeling has a positive influence. Conclusion: This study showed that the use of CAD modeling could affect creativity in both a positive and negative way. While the use of hand sketching has a positive effect on flexibility and originality dimensions, it was observed that the use of CAD modeling increased elaboration skills of most of the participants.
Keywords: Product Design, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), 3D Modeling, Creativity, Idea Generation