DSGN119 - Design as a Generic Tool

Professor M Neil James - Web page http://www.plym.tech.ac.uk/si

This page gathers together some of the web-based (and other) resources dealing with innovation and inventive problem solving.   The area is extremely interesting, and many of the tools in this field can be described as 'thought process algorithms', rather than techniques to improve creativity.   Nonetheless, they can be utilised to advantage in the design process, particularly in identifying, developing and refining a more complete design envelope.  I have tended to copy descriptions of the tools direct from their  web sites, so these may be overly 'glowing'.

Some ideas around experiences in exposing students to the methodology for finding innovative solutions in engineering can be found in the paper Innovation in the building process - a postgraduate module by IEG Davey-Wilson, Engineering Structures Vol. 23 2001 pp.136-144.  This journal is available in the library under accession number Journal 624.1 ENG.

There is some excellent information available on the web on innovation in design on the web site of the Design Council - see, for example, Innovation at the Design Council.

1.    The Osborn/Parnes creative problem solving (CPS) process is a structured, reliable method for generating innovative solutions on an as-needed basis. It tremendously increases the likelihood of creating novel and useful solutions to any kind of problem. The CPS Process is effectively used by groups and by individuals working alone. Ordinarily, people tend to think only of what has worked in the past when faced with challenges. Also, people most often rely on convergent thinking (i.e. looking for the single, best answer) to solve problems because that's what was rewarded in school or at home. But by combining convergent and divergent thinking (looking for lots of good answers) with imagination at every stage of the CPS Process, one can open treasure troves of fresh, innovative and workable solutions.  It is summarised on the linked web page and in the linked paper.

The Osborne-Parnes Creative Problem Solving Process Manual is intended to be a working map to help you navigate through the creative problem solving process. It can be used by trainers and workshop leaders seeking to help others learn a powerful process for innovation. It can also, clearly, be used by individuals working alone and by self-directed work teams.

2.    Mind Tools is a web site which includes a variety of tools intended to assist you in 'thinking your way to an excellent life' (I quote).  The tools of relevance to this course are found under the headings Problem Solving Techniques & Analytical Methods, and Increasing Creativity (which is linked to an Australian Creativity Web site).  The information is fairly rudimentary, but easily assimilated and used in projects.

3.    A formalised 'theory of inventive problem solving' (TRIZ from the Russian acronym) deals with using what is known about the the ways human beings can think innovatively, to create a set of actions which can bring about a step change in speed of delivering new products and services.  This concept was reported in Materials World Vol. 6 No. 4 April 1998 pp.207-209 (this journal is available from the Exeter campus branch of the library).  Numerous on-line references to this theory are available, some of which are hyper-linked below:

There is a down-loadable pdf file available, which outlines an approach to the topic by Graham Rawlinson, Next Step Associates.

4.    Decision tree analysis is outlined at http://www.mindtools.com/dectree.html

5.    The brainstorming web contains useful information and links to resources in this classic technique for innovative thinking.

6.     The European Commission Innovation/SME Programme publishes the journal Innovation & Technology Transfer whose home page is:

http://www.cordis.lu/itt/itt-en/home.html