‘These theoretical frameworks and specific examples will be of great help in organizing innovative design and in finding effective instruments. I must say I was surprised by how technical the examples are. First, the objects have to be modelled very carefully and precisely, with a hands-on approach, but second, I was struck by how much knowledge is economized by the formal framework, as only knowledge that serves the reasoning comes into play. Nonetheless, the formal C-K framework illustrates the nature of the strategic reasoning needed for innovative design and makes the technical aspects easier to understand.’
‘I now have a better idea of how to manage innovative design, but there is still one point which worries me. Can you explain the notion of “return to rule-based design”, or the traditional system of R&D?’
Once again, the Innovation Manager's questions help us explain a vital point: there is no question of innovative design seeking to replace rule-based design. On the contrary, the greater the efforts made in rule-based design, the better the chances of being able to fully exploit the product lineages stemming from the innovation fields. Rule-based design is therefore vital in terms of return on investment. We shall now see how innovative design can prepare for rule-based design.
From the exploration of an innovation field to rule-based design
In formal terms, rule-based design reasoning can be explained by the C-K design theory (see Figure 14.1).
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