Positive Creativity Solutions and Designs Based on Motivation Theory

With the advancement of interdisciplinary integration, product forms increasingly tend toward the convergence of hardware, software, and multi-ecosystems. Traditional user-centered design (UCD) methods face the challenge of expanding the design space and deepening exploration depth. To address this, this study aims to advance innovative design by shifting the design entry point from observed needs and behaviors to the pre-behavioral motivation stage, grounded in motivation theory to support positive creativity solutions. First, through a systematic review, this article categorizes design paradigms into three types: physical logic design, behavioral logic design, and motivational logic design. Theoretically, this paper establishes a framework for motivational logic design by integrating insights from motivation psychology, management, and design. This framework enhances the intrinsic motivation mechanism in design by creating a closed-loop system that connects user needs, behaviors, and motivations. Second, supported by empirical research, the article presents two key contributions to motivational logic design: (1) Establishing target user groups through factor analysis and machine learning methods and subsequently integrating Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory to trace the transition from explicit needs/behaviors to implicit motivations. (2) It introduces the mirror flipping method—a novel approach that enhances the practical application of motivational logic design, as demonstrated through a case study of a smart sports bra. Overall, this research provides original theoretical and practical insights, offering valuable references for UCD, innovative design, and other positive creativity solution contexts.