Can One Learn to Be More Creative?

1. Can One Learn to Be More Creative? References Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, by James L. Adams Axiomatic Design, by Nam Suh The Answer is in the Question, by Robert Apfel N. Delson

2. Can One Learn To Be More Creative? I believe yes! • Work in a creative environment • Systematic approach to creativity • Primary topic of this lecture N. Delson

3. Remember the Creative Environment • Defer criticism during concept generation • Discuss ideas with others • Create a large number of concepts • Build on “crazy” ideas • Play with parts • Copy ideas from other designs • Creative role models Example by Charles Wachter N. Delson

4. Key Terms in Lecture • Functional Requirements (FRs) • Minimum set of FRs • Solution Neutral Environment N. Delson

5. Conceptual Blocks • Preconceived notions may limit the range of creative ideas • The more design experience one has, the more one is susceptible to conceptual blocks! N. Delson

6. Defining the Right Problem • Are you solving the right question? • “The Answer is the in Question” Robert Apfel • Avoid conceptual blocks • Conceptual blocks can: • Prevent ideas from being considered • Promote other ideas too much N. Delson

7. Solution Neutral Environment:A Systematic Approach for Creativity • Define function of machine independent of possible solutions • Functional Requirements (FRs) • What the machine or part needs to do, not how it does it (i.e. not the design solution) • Select a minimum set of FRs • Identify the essence of the problem N. Delson

8. Examples • Flying Machines • Solar car Design • Ice Cubes • Hanging Door • Ping pong ball • … N. Delson

9. Flying Machines for Transporting People:Why Didn’t Flapping Wing Designs Work Bird Flight FRs Human Flight FRs Fly with ability to catch prey or avoid predator Land on spot (e.g. branch) Take off from spot Fly (specified distance and payload) Land Take off N. Delson

10. Solar Car Design N. Delson

11. Review: FR Approach • Creativity occurs in both the overall product concept and in detail design • Zig-zag between with FR and Design Solutions • Define FRs • Develop multiple design solutions to satisfy FRs • Select a Design Solution • Define FRs of subcomponents • Develop multiple design solutions for subcomponents • Continue process through detail design … N. Delson

12. Cold Drink Problem • I would like to have a cold drink when I get home • FRs • Design Solutions N. Delson

13. Example: Vintage Ice Cube Trays • Problem: Arm often breaks • Especially after water is overfilled • Obvious Solution • Make arm stronger N. Delson

14. Conceptual Breakthrough in Ice Cube Tray Design FRs of Ice Cube Tray • Hold water • Release ice cubes New Flexible Design • Not stronger but more flexible • There is no arm! • Original problem was not solved, it was eliminated. N. Delson

15. Example: Hanging Door Carriage inside channel N. Delson

16. One Day a Bolt Dropped Down N. Delson

17. A Nut Had Come Off Unfortunately it was not possible to slide cart off track and access nut How would you solve this problem? N. Delson

18. What Problem Should Be Solved? • Obvious problem: • How to put the nut back on • If one cannot find a good solution to the obvious problem, then look at FRs • What is the purpose of the nut? • What are its Functional Requirements? • Can you rephrase the problem that needs to be solved? (do this now before gong to next slide) N. Delson

19. Conceptual Breakthrough Using Functional Requirement Approach • Functional Requirements of Nut • Prevent bolt from sliding through cart • Multiple Solutions Exist to FRs: • Pin through bolt N. Delson

20. A New Solution Can Take Many Stepsbut Progress is Often Quick with New Idea • Drill hole through rail and bolt • Tap hole in bolt • Create long set screw (buy Dremel tool) • Cover up hole with duct tape N. Delson

21. Door Works Again! N. Delson

22. Summary • When stuck, move back one level in the design • Try eliminating a problem (as opposed to solving or optimizing an existing design) • Identify the essence of the problem • Every part in your design should have a purpose; otherwise it should not be there • Keep track of your conceptual breakthroughs and blocks N. Delson

23. Example: High Speed Still Photography Traditional Photography • Shutter speed determines duration of photo • How did Dr. Edgerton take these photos? Did he increase the camera’s shutter speed, or was there a conceptual breakthrough? The Edgerton Center N. Delson

24. Example: High Speed Motion Picture • A traditional movie camera starts and stops film • World’s Highest Speed Camera was Developed at UCSD by late Prof. Ellis (and is still on display in EBUI) • Did he start and stop the film faster (solving the “obvious limitation”)? • He had a conceptual breakthrough, and the film was held stationary • Interesting note, Prof. Edgerton and Ellis worked together, each had separate conceptual breakthroughs (did they share an approach to creativity?) Traditional Movie Camera starts and stops film N. Delson

25. References • Conceptual Blockbusting: A Guide to Better Ideas, by James L. Adams • Axiomatic Design, by Nam Suh • The Answer is in the Question, by Robert Apfel N. Delson