CREATIVITY ENHANCEMENT SOFTWARE - A SYSTEMIC APPROACH

Intense conditions of competition provide the main driver behind the s earch for innovation opportunities. The nature of competition demands that the search has to be more systematic than in the past in order to be effective (right first time) and more efficient in resource usage (more from less). In response to this situation the authors are develo ping a computer-enhanced technique for seeking innovation opportunitie s based upon a conceptual framework of systems thinking. Within this f ramework several conceptual tools have been developed including the De sign Acceptance Cycle (DAC), which is embodied in creativity enhanceme nt software called Serendipity. The technique uses systems based princ iples of complementarism such as the use of analogy and metaphor to st imulate radical reconceptualizations of solutions for embodiment into the physical product. Designers working with problem owners are expose d to original and new perspectives gained by exploring the 'product in use' and the tacit or personal knowledge of the user. In particular t he method should expose the tacit knowledge of 'products-in-use' in si milar or analogous techniques or processes.