An OTSM-TRIZ Based Framework Towards the Computer-Aided Identification of Cognitive Processes in Design Protocols

Abstract

This paper presents an original approach for the analysis of design protocols. It presents a coding scheme based on the OTSM-TRIZ Network of Problems, so as to map the protocols by both considering design moves and their mutual relationships with links. Stemming from this coding scheme, the authors propose a novel set of rules for the identification of cognitive processes to be integrated into a Computer-aided tool, so as to reduce the time employed for the analysis of design protocols. The five preliminary tests carried out to verify the potentiality and the feasibility of the approach have demonstrated that it provides good results both in terms of quality and in terms of time-savings for the whole protocol analysis.

Revisiting Problem-Solution Co-Evolution in the Context of Team Conceptual Design Activity

“…Consequently, the co-evolution perspective proposes that, in the case of ill-defined design problems, it is the interaction between the two spaces that introduces new problem and solution entities, such as requirements and concept ideas. This so-called co-evolutionary reasoning may arise when an existing problem directly connects to a generated solution, or when a new problem is triggered by a solution [54]. In other words, it can be hypothesised that the emergence of new problem entities during team design activity will most probably follow after exploration of the solution space.…”

“…It must also be noted the synthesis of entities in one space following the exploration of the other space has been interpreted as a proxy for the study of co-evolution. However, these are only potential co-evolution episodes [54], since it is not necessarily the case that all of these transitions concern the same context. Experimental studies encompassing more comprehensive observational approaches and focused strictly on the reasoning for particular state transitions could provide a further understanding of the identified patterns.…”

“…Still, design research that is based on observation, such as the presented protocol study, is often limited in terms of analysis resources, since it typically involves manual data coding. Hence, future efforts should also take into account the possibilities of full or partial automatization of the coding process (see, e.g., [54,108,109]).…”

Enhancing creativity for development of automation solutions using OTSM-TRIZ: A systematic case study in agronomic industry

“…TRIZ provides a set of heuristics to overcome contradictions by leveraging available resources classified into five categories: time, space, energy, information, and materials; some authors have proposed more structured resource classifications as in Becattini et al, 31 also considering managerial-based resources. 32 The TRIZ-based classification of resources represents the basis for resolving the contradictions that will appear in the next stages:…”

“…For supporting this stage, analysts can rely on already existing classification as TRIZ classification resources. [31][32][33] In relation to the definition of constraints for the acceptability of a solution concept, the authors suggest the identification of company barriers (as above) and resources consumption already determined by external factors. On the contrary, in relation to opportunities for further development of solution concepts, the focus should be on the already existing resources that still allow a residual amount of exploitation.…”