A New Approach of Innovative Design:

In this paper we introduce the main notions and first applications of a unified design theory. We call it “C-K theory” because it stands that a formal distinction between spaces of “Concepts” (C) and space of “Knowledge” (K) is a condition for design. This distinction has key properties: i) it identifies the oddness of “Design” when compared to problem solving approaches ; ii) it distinguishes C-K theory from existing design theories like German systematic as C-K theory offers a precise definition of design and builds creativity within such definition. It does not require the too restrictive assumptions of General Design Theory [1] or Universal Design Theory [2]. It establishes that design reasoning is linked to a fundamental issue in set theory: the “choice” axiom. It models the dynamics of design as a joint-expansion of a space of concepts and a space of Knowledge needing four operators C!K, K!C, C!C, K!K. They compose what can be imaged as a “design square”. These operators capture the variety of design situations and the dynamics of innovative design. Key worlds : design theory, innovation, creativity.