EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF A METHOD FOR SYSTEMATIC NEW DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

Creativity is an essential factor in the development of innovative products. 4 Step Creation (4SC) is a method for systematic ideation and can be used to enhance the new product development process. It aims to promote creativity in interdisciplinary teams and provides a framework for collaboration so that original ideas can emerge, laying the foundation for innovation. At the same time, the method can be used for continuous improvement of existing systems. In this contribution 4SC is used in a design method experiment following the Design Method Validation System (DMVS) to validate design methods in product development. The experiment was carried out at PAD2022 International Summer School on the example of a vacuum cleaner robot. Findings show, that the developed method promotes transparency, traceability of ideas and thus communication in the team. It also facilitates the integration of different stakeholders in the ideation phase. The experiment also shows that the DMVS is well suited for planning, conducting, and evaluating design experiments.