Title: Managing creativity: is it possible to control the birth of innovation in product design?

Authors: Harri Haapasalo, Pekka Kess

Addresses: University of Oulu, Department of Industrial Engineering, P.O. Box 4610, FIN-90014, Oulu, Finland. University of Oulu, Department of Industrial Engineering, P.O. Box 4610, FIN-90014, Oulu, Finland

Abstract: The intention of this article is to explain how to improve design and product development. The objective is to point out different functions or mechanisms of the core of design tasks. Furthermore the aim is to analyse systematic control procedures in creative work. This review consists of extensively processed theoretical material connected to experiences in practical design. The beginning of the article is a fundamental antithesis between creative and systematic approaches and also a theoretical basis for the purpose of design. Later on it is determined, from an engineering point of view, how innovations are produced or how creative ideas pop into the conscious mind. The analysis is based on the empirical and literary material obtained in the research project carried out in the years 1995-1999.

Keywords: product development; creative design; systematic design; design process.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2002.003044

International Journal of Technology Management, 2002 Vol.24 No.1, pp.57-69

Published online: 10 Jul 2003 *

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