An Interactive Tool for Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing of Customer Needs in the Conceptual Phase

Abstract

This paper aims to research how the use of an interactive tool can facilitate collaboration, knowledge sharing and enhance the understanding of customer needs in conceptual phase at a global shipbuilding company. An effective conceptual phase depends on collaboration and mutual understanding of customer needs to capture customer requirements and transform them into a base of design‐document. Lack of early common understanding can result in increased project cost or in worst‐case loss of contract. We used action research as an approach for our study and developed and implemented an interactive tool in a case at the company. In‐depth interviews and root‐cause analysis were used to determine the pain‐points of the as‐is situation. A feedback survey was used to evaluate the performance and result of the interactive tool. The results indicate that the interactive tool contributes to a better overview of ongoing projects, increased knowledge sharing, and enhanced common understanding.

Co-Creative Problem Solving to Support Rapid Learning of Systems Knowledge Towards High-Tech Innovations: A Longitudinal Case Study

“…In our former research, we identified that the industry needs to support rapid learning of systems knowledge through concept exploration, early validation, and knowledge transfer in the concept phase [33]. Furthermore, we explored the use of co-creative methods and tools [21,22,[34][35][36][37][38] to support the Norwegian high-tech industry in achieving their needs. We concluded on eight success criteria inspired by systems and design theories for a new way of working.…”