C-K THEORY IN PRACTICE : LESSONS FROM INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS
DS 32: Proceedings of DESIGN 2004, the 8th International Design Conference, Dubrovnik, Croatia
Year: 2004
Editor: Marjanovic D.
Author: Hatchuel, A.; Le Masson, P.; Weil ,B.
Section: DESIGN RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
Page(s): 245 - 258
Abstract
Hatchuel and Weil presented recently a new design theory, called C-K theory. In this paper we discuss applications of C-K theory to innovative and contrasting design situations: i) A science based product (Mg-CO2 engines for Mars exploration) ii) Creativity based products ("smart tools" developed by a start-up). We show how C-K theory can have both a descriptive-interpretative power and a prescriptive-normative power for innovative design activities: C-K theory helps to control the structuring of upstream design phases and it supports the simultaneous exploration of functions (constraints) and design parameters. The theory helps to highlight two different design strategies that fit each design situation (depth-first or breadth first).
Keywords: design theory, innovation, design organisation, design methodology