The impact of semantic feedback on functional connectivity during design ideation: a preliminary study

Proceedings of the Design Society 2026 Open access

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Authors: Mengru Wang, John S. Gero, Sohail Ahmed Soomro, Georgi V. Georgiev
DOI: 10.1017/pds.2026.10676
Cited by: 1
References: 23

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study aims to examine the influence of semantic feedback on the functional connectivity of students’ brains in design education. We evaluated functional connectivity using EEG. After the instructor provided feedback, we observed a significant reduction in students’ alpha-band activity across 16 channel pairs. It suggests that, after receiving feedback, participants relied more on localized neural circuits rather than on broad, diffuse connections. Semantic feedback potentially facilitates participation in more efficient cognitive processes, thereby assisting design ideation.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Design Education and Practice Creativity in Education and Neuroscience Neuroscience Education and Cognitive Function

Publication details

Journal / source
Proceedings of the Design Society
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Volume
6
Pages
3185–3192
Publication date
2 July 2026
Language
EN