dimagining

Dimagining is a term used in some cognitive science and design discourse to describe the deliberate generation and manipulation of mental representations within the mind. It covers imagining scenarios, objects, or actions without external sensory input, with an emphasis on intentional, goal-directed mental work rather than passive daydreaming.

Etymology: "dimagining" is a neologism without a standardized origin. In practice, it is treated as the act of imagining within the mind, often contrasted with external visualization or spontaneous thought. Some writers frame it as a disciplined subset of mental imagery used for planning and problem-solving.

Cognitive basis: Dimagining draws on mental imagery, working memory, and executive control. It can be visual, auditory, or multisensory and involves selecting, transforming, and combining internal representations. Operators include rotation, scaling, sequencing, and hypothetical simulation.

Process: A typical dimagining sequence starts with a goal cue, retrieval of relevant representations, generation of candidates, manipulation and evaluation, and refinement based on imagined outcomes or constraints.

Applications: The concept is used to describe practices in creative design, architecture, education, and sports mental rehearsal. It can support planning, strategic thinking, and risk-free prototyping by letting individuals test ideas in the mind before external execution.

Critique and status: As a relatively new or informal term, dimagining overlaps with established notions of imagination and mental imagery. Critics caution against unclear distinctions and call for clearer definitions and empirical work to map its boundaries and benefits.