Divergent.

Divergent thoughts bring about the action of gathering many creative possibilities. Familiar in a particular group, or multiple form, which in some way connect to each other, but are still unique in their individual creative expressions, growing and building towards many possible answers. Divergent thinking removes limitations and restrictions. A divergent thought can urge the designer to gather sensible and fun elements; opening a door around the designer’s thought process, it is also an aspect of random thought. Therefore, divergent thought is necessary, if a designer has no divergent thoughts, how would they compare and perceive a possible solution (Open University, Victoria Hall, 2024).  

limitations  

The limitations are foremost connected to the problem and finding a solution. Constraints and limitations can be financial restrictions like a set budget, or investor requirements, or acceptance of certain styles and types. Another creative limitation is working to meet the demands of their client. Time limitations, product restrictions, religious or cultural constraints can place limitations on a designer’s divergent thought process (Open University, Victoria Hall, 2024).  

Convergent.  

Convergent thinking helps the designer whittle down with logic and reasoning. Using  critical analysis even existing design solutions can be improved upon. Convergent thinking uses the collective of objective information already available; weighs this objective material and produces a decision from the statistics. Convergent thoughts will show possible outcomes and refine existing choices. Finalising a solution to meet expected requirements and constraints involves the convergent thought process. A convergent thought always builds on what is possible and what would work. Being the opposite of divergent, there is a sense of less creative expression. Convergent thoughts are more decision based and create a firm foundation for an actual prototype, or design solution. On a finer level, it brings things together in agreement showing a route forward for a proposed design solution (Open University, Victoria Hall, 2024).   

 limitations 

The limitations with convergent thinking, is that the designer can become too fixed, or focused, on strictly producing a certain answer. The convergent thought process can lack flexibility, as it is at the opposite end of the creative spectrum to divergency, so being too critical or giving too much critic can slow convergency down ( Open University, Tutor Adela Glyn Davies, Critique, 2023). Design conclusions are found by refining, but lack of flow can halt the convergent thought process. Within this meticulous analysis feelings of being limited; connect to creativity and can emerge as a designer looks to synthesise findings. Objectively measuring material and looking for a balanced conclusion; while working within the design specification requirements; can limit the designer's choices. The Convergent thought process can be limited by the politics of a design; including society's requirements; cultural sensitivities, legal and financial restrictions (Open University, Victoria Hall, 2024).