Investigation of c-k theory based approach for innovative solutions in bioinspired design

Abstract

This paper discusses the investigation of a Concept-Knowledge (C-K) theory based approach for generating innovative design solutions in bioinspired design projects. Undergraduate students enrolled in sophomore engineering design courses at both the University of Georgia (UGA) and James Madison University (JMU) completed bioinspired design projects using C-K theory based templates. Hypothesis testing, principal component analysis (PCA) and support vector machine (SVM) techniques were applied on the students’ performance scores of a C-K theory based bioinspired design process to identify the biomimicry attributes which supported the evolution of innovative design solutions. Results from the analysis suggest that the C-K theory based approach is useful for generating innovative design solutions.