Is it possible to capture knowledge used when a product is being designed in a form that can be easily re-used in the future? or alternatively, How can that knowledge be captured and how should it be stored?
There are similarities in capturing Design Intent during the design of products with the retention and re-use (sharing) of knowledge when developing software products or indeed in most fields.
Design Intent is not just a question of recording the history or sequence of commands used in the creation of a design. Give the same job to a number of people and it is unlikely that they would follow the exact same sequence of events (although the end result may be the same). Consider how many different ways users can create even the simplest geometry such as a rectangle – the end result may be the same, but the steps taken to get there can be completely different.
Taken away from the simplest examples, the problem can become extremely complex – Why was this hole placed here, What material should be used to provide the given strength at the lowest weight? etc.
The problem is posed, but what is the solution?
MIT Sloan Professor Eric von Hippel recently published a new book, Democratizing Innovation. In his book, Professor von Hippel examines the emerging trend toward user-centered innovation, a system which can offer great advantages over the manufacturer-centric innovation systems that have been in place for hundreds of years.
Professor von Hippel has graciously made a downloadable version of his book available to the public for free. To download the entire book or select chapters, you can visit Professor von Hippel’s website at
http://web.mit.edu/evhippel/www/democ.htm.
A possible useful contact: i10 providing innovation collaboration expertise
i10 supports innovation and success by helping companies tap into the expertise and resources of universities in the East of England.
i10 helps companies in the East of England grow by working with academic teams from some of the country’s top universities and higher education colleges to solve business problems.
We provide access to the wealth of expertise, innovation and research services in these institutions, support the development of new products, help you improve your business process and ensure you are doing the right things to maximise productivity and profits.
The web-site can be visited at
http://i10.org.uk
Recent Comments