The creative process is a multifaceted and dynamic path of thinking required to execute a project in design-based disciplines. The goal of this research was to test a model outlining the creative design process by investigating student experiences in a design project assignment. The study used an exploratory design to collect data from student demographic information, journal responses, and external evaluations of creative product results. Thirty-six senior level interior design students participated in the assignment where students were asked to design a scale model of a lounge chair and to journal in responses to pre-determined question prompts regarding their activities. Design deliverables were reviewed by external evaluators to identify level of creative output which resulted in identifying groups of high and low creativity. Results revealed that students in the high creativity group, as compared to those in the low creativity group, demonstrated higher levels of abstract thought, greater divergent thinking, increased depth in thought, and higher motivation throughout their creative process. The proposed model was supported by the data. (Contains 4 figures.)