Title: A step-based framework to combine creativity, project management and technical development in industrial innovation

Authors: Davide Polverini, Serena Graziosi, Ferruccio Mandorli

Addresses: Design Tools & Methods Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanics, Universita Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona (AN), Italy. ' Design Tools & Methods Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanics, Universita Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona (AN), Italy. ' Design Tools & Methods Group, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Mechanics, Universita Politecnica delle Marche, Via Brecce Bianche, 60131 Ancona (AN), Italy

Abstract: Since the assessment of the novelty, feasibility and value of new product ideas is highly subjective and uncertain, it is hard for companies to come up with a final product which successfully embodies customer needs, as well as company requirements. The major goal of this study is to propose a design and managerial step-based framework, moving from idea generation until the early steps of concept embodiment. Russian Theory of Inventive Problem Solving, together with multicriteria-based selection methods are employed. A case study from the household appliances industry is presented, discussing how to guide technical solutions implementation in new product ideas.

Keywords: product development; idea generation; creativity; product innovation; decision making; project management; engineering conflicts; TRIZ; multicriteria selection; technical development; household appliances; product ideas.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2011.042295

International Journal of Product Development, 2011 Vol.14 No.1/2/3/4, pp.96 - 117

Published online: 27 Feb 2015 *

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