• 097614 - METHODS AND TOOLS FOR SYSTEMATIC INNOVATION B - PROBLEM SOLVING AND INVENTIVE DESIGN (I.C. MODULE)

Objectives and scope

The course provides theoretical and practical skills about the most recent methodologies for systematic innovation of products and processes with a specific focus on inventive problem solving techniques.

More in details, it covers a range of techniques and tools supporting technical creativity such as Brainstorming, TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving), Biologically-Inspired Design, Value Analysis, etc.

Attendees will be involved in individual and collaborative creative sessions, and will experience the support provided by Computer-Aided Innovation (CAI) tools and ICT technologies enhancing creativity.

Detailed description of topics

Product development cycle and innovation. Technical creativity, features and assessment criteria.

Psychological methods supporting technical creativity: brainstorming, synectics, six thinking hats.

Elements of Systematic Design: Function-Behaviour-Structure, EMS function modelling, Conceptual Design phases.

Cognitive aspects of designing.

Introduction and fundamentals of TRIZ, Theory of Inventive Problem Solving. Reference models of TRIZ: problem solving process (Hill model, Tongs model, Funnel model); representation of technical systems, problems and solutions (ENV model, Function model, Su-Field model, Contradiction model); reference models for robust thinking (System Operator). Instruments for developing conceptual solutions: System of Inventive Standards; pointers to physical, chemical and geometrical effects. Instruments for overcoming contradictions: Analysis of Contradictions, 40 Inventive Principles, Separation principles, ARIZ.

Bio-Inspired Design: aims and scopes, methods to search for bio-inspired solutions and their transfer into technical implementations. Reference models: SAPPhIRE, DANE, Biomimicry thinking, UNO-BID.

Value Analysis: Value Engineering techniques for product analysis. Process Value Analysis (PVA).

The course consists of lectures and practice sessions, including a collaborative project driven by an industrial case study proposed by partner companies.

The evaluation is based on an individual written test based on the practical sessions proposed in the semester (50%) and on a project work developed in team (50%).

PhD students can limit the practical activity to an application of the techniques proposed in the course to their research theme (no written test required). It is recommended to get in contact with Prof. Cascini to define the specific assignment to be addressed.