Concept Generation

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Concept Generation

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Design can appear overwhelming

• Function
• Cost
• Manufacturability
• Aesthetics/Form
• Assembly
• Maintenance
• Service
• Disposal
• Recycling
• Sustainability
• Reliability
• Durability
• Quality
• Expandability
• Etc., etc., etc.

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How can we formalize creativity?

• 1. Clarify the problem.
• 2. Search externally.
• 3. Search internally.
• 4. Explore systematically.
• 5. Reflect on the results and the process.

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Search Externally

• Patents
• Designs in the marketplace
• Experts
• Etc.

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Search Internally

• Brainstorming as yesterday
• TRIZ http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TRIZ
• http//www.triz.org/
• http//www.triz-journal.com/whatistriz.htm
• Brute force
• Kaleidoscopic thinking
• Pick many domains and relate to them
• Method of focal objects
• Pick two seemingly unrelated objects

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Is it possible to do an exhaustive search?
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Probably not, but!

• The process leads us to a more comprehensive
  search
• It teaches us to focus on process, not just one
  result
• The engineering is in the process
• The better the search method, the better the
  process and vice versa

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Happy Designing!