Evaluation of a method and a computer tool for generating concept designs

Abstract

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The Combinator – a computer-based tool for creative idea generation based on a simulation approach

“…A number of computer tools have been developed to assist idea generation, such as the IDeAL system based on analogy and design patterns (Goel & Bhatta 2004), the virtual concept generation process (Taura et al. 2012), the matrix-based concept generation system (Kang & Tang 2013), and one based on chains of physical laws and complementary basic schemata (Zavbi, Fain & Rihtaršič 2013). Recently, Bacciotti, Borgianni & Rotini (2016) have illustrated a method, which has been implemented in a computer application, for supporting the idea generation in early engineering design phases.…”