Process for obtaining conceptual designs to solve general problems

The paper describes the creative process used by students in a free elective course offered at the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC) to obtain conceptual designs that contribute at least to the partial solution of a global crisis or major problem such as water shortage, food and energy crises, climate change and global mobility. An example of this process, which is based on exercises of imagination, mind maps and the six thinking hats method, is provided. This exercise is generalisable to other cases where a general problem is the starting point of a top-to-bottom process to find interesting solutions.