The Integration of Information & Ideas: Creating Linkages through a Novel Concept Design Method

This paper describes the ICR Grid as a novel representation of information and ideas. Developed as a method for enhancing utilization of digital information sources in conceptual design, the name is derived from the cognitive processes (inform, create, reflect) that are systematically employed and the resulting grid output. As a prescriptive method it requires design teams to find and build information resources in parallel with creating solutions. It does, however, maintain the freedom of designers to decide on the direction of exploration and encourages flexible thinking by using an activity-based approach. The output of the method is a linked grid of information sources and their application that emphasizes their relationships and evolution over time. The paper reviews the evaluation of a prototype ICR Grid in a number of industrial scenarios using a shared OneNote document, and outlines the development path for future bespoke The Integration of Information & Ideas: Creating Linkages through a Novel Concept Design Method AnDREW WODEhOuSE, MEng, Ing & WILLIAM IOn, PROfESSOR implementations. As digital technologies and organizational strategies continue to rapidly evolve, this work is timely in bringing new thoughts on how information is sourced, used, and managed in the development of ideas. Issues regarding team structures and interaction, information reuse, and the capture of rationale are also addressed in relation to the grid format. It is anticipated the findings will be of particular interest to industrial designers, information specialists, and the digital library community, as well as being of relevance to any organization undertaking idea generation or problem solving. InTRODuCTIOn Industrial designers generate ideas and turn them into viable product solutions. Within the overall product development process, concept design is the phase where ideas are generated, selected, and embodied in conceptual form in preparation for further development. Concept-design work is often undertaken by groups in collaborative, studio-based environments and despite the development of a number of formal tools and techniques to support it, informal approaches such as brainstorming remain the most popular. Additionally, access to appropriate information, principles, exemplars, and context have been shown to be important in creating well-substantiated concepts and acting as stimuli for discussion. This presents a challenge in effectively integrating information into the concept-design activity without prescribing a highly systematic approach that inhibits such creativity.