Applied Ideation Methodology Selector Tool

Abstract

In engineering and product development, it is challenging to identify the most promising opportunities to work on, translate those opportunities into well-defined problem statements, generate many alternative concepts, and select/implement the most promising concepts. Many well-known tools aim to put structured processes around the ideation or concept generation phase, including, but not limited to, Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ), Yilmaz et al. 77 Design Heuristics, Biomimicry, and Brainwriting. Herein, the authors identify thirteen methods specific to concept generation, clearly define and differentiate what these methods excel at, and provide structured reasoning as to why some methods are preferred in various situations over others. Following this reasoning the authors propose a Microsoft Excel-based tool built off a modified version of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) that with user input will recommend the best set of ideation methodologies for the users' scenario. Seven criteria definitions were established to differentiate and rank each ideation methodology. Multiple test cases demonstrate the results of the selection tool to be predictable and rational. Possible future work includes adding additional ideation methodologies to the Excel based tool, further validation by more users, and expanding it to include tools for both problem definition and concept selection/implementation methodologies. The authors feel that doing great systems engineering must begin with a great architecture/concept, and this tool can facilitate routine development of highly innovative, high-valued solutions that, when well executed via a rigorous systems engineering process, will create exceptional enterprise value.