Model of Meta-Reflection and In-Depth Analysis of Knowledge Creation Process in Design

This paper proposes a model of meta-reflection and in-depth analysis of the knowledge creation process (KCP). The authors focus on observation of the KCP in research on creative design. The new method of meta-reflection is applied both to reflection on ‘research about design creativity’ and object of research—‘design creativity’. One result of the applied method of meta-reflection was that the analysis of KCP in research on design involved different tacit forms of knowledge and creativity and included a wide spectrum of knowledge processes and knowledge types. The roots of creativity and imagination were identified, which then stemmed into certain parts of research activities, such as development of hypotheses and theory proposition. The authors produced a model of meta-reflection (MMR) and an in-depth analysis of the KCP. This study is a step that provides understanding of the role that human creativity and imagination play in research.