Creative system design methodologies: the case of complex technical systems

This paper explores the impact creative engineering design methodologies will have on the development of conceptual system designs for technically complex systems. To meet the requirements of the many innovations of products and their technology, these technically complex systems must be innovative to make effective use of them. This report generates a value-chain that shows the link between creativity techniques in system design and value to an industry. With the Creativity, Innovation, Competitiveness (CIC) model and the Carayannis, Gonzales and Wetter Innovation framework (Handbook of Innovation Chapters, Elsevier, October 2003), the authors will explore the impact of creative conceptual designs for complex technical systems at the micro, meso, and macro levels of society (Fig. 1). Thus, we will propose a creative engineering design method to increase the innovativeness of these technically complex systems. Furthermore, this creative design methodology is tailored to work with the processes, content, context, and provide the desire impact. q 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.