Patrick,
Another term that I have heard used by engineers is "function transfer",
where you focus on what function you are trying to create or improve (
working backwards from a solution) and look at alternative ways of
accomplishing that. Computer-aided innovation software tools such as
various TRIZ products (based on Altshuller's work-see "Creativity as an
Exact Science, 1988, UK) have that as a module. See Invention Machine's
"Phenomenon" or Ideation (both US based) or IQ Plus out of Toronto.
(point your bowsers to TRIZ or Invention Machine etc to find their webs )
Please cc me with any interesting "concept of function transfer" examples
or other methodologies
Walter
Director Brain Space
(formerly the Idea Lab at
the Design Exchange)
Toronto
(416) 588-1122
wderzko@pathcom.com
--"Walter Derzko" <wderzko@pathcom.com>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>