Abstract
Our research is investigating the relationship between design problem formulation and creative outcome. Our research is investigating the relationship between design problem formulation and creative outcome. Towards that goal we have conducted experiments with designers engaged in problem formulation. In order to analyze such empirical data, a formal representation is needed. One popular model is Function-Behavior-Structure (FBS) and its several variants. Our problem map (P-map) model shares many features with FBS but also has important differences. We introduce a hierarchical representation not only in each of the F, B, S domains but in additional domains (requirements and issues). We also identify generic inter and intra-domain relationships between these entities, leading to a more expressive and flexible model that is domain independent and well suited for representing problem formulations of designers with different expertise levels and creativity. We have used the model for coding protocol data in a formal predicate logic language (Answer Set Prolog).