scholarly journals Accretion theory of ideation: evaluation regimes for ideation stages

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Sosa

This paper presents an exercise on theory building to characterise design ideation. It starts by examining how early ideas are defined and evaluated in the literature. An essentialist view is identified that explains the creativity of a final design solution by the creative qualities of early ideas attributed by external judges. Criteria for a theory of ideation that does not rely on the primacy of essence are enumerated. Advanced professional practice is examined to understand evaluation of early ideas ‘in the wild’. Accretion is then introduced as an analogical model to imaginatively drive definitions and conjectures about idea formation in the co-evolution of problem and design spaces. Vignettes from ideation episodes are used to illustrate an accretion theory of ideation. An accretion theory supports new ways to think about ideation as a complex formation process where creative solutions emerge from the synthesis of a multitude of fragmentary and partial ideas – or ‘ideasimals’. An accretion theory of ideation helps to explain the creative value of a final design solution without relying on early ideas having a creative essence, because the creativity of a solution is viewed as emergent rather than present in early versions. An accretion lens is used to suggest new ideation metrics to study the qualities of idea fragments and the process of idea formation. Definitions and relevant assessment regimes for different stages of ideation are discussed. The paper concludes with a discussion on entailments of an accretion theory and next steps for this theory building enterprise.

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khémesse Kital ◽  
Moumouny Traoré ◽  
Diégane Sarr ◽  
Moussa Mbaye ◽  
Mame Diabou Gaye Seye ◽  
...  

Abstract The aim of this work is to determine the thermodynamic parameters and the kinetics of complex formation between orthophthalaldehyde (OPA) and agmatine (AGM) in an alkaline medium (pH 13). Firstly, the association constant (Ka) between orthophthalaldehyde and agmatine was determined at different temperatures (between 298 K and 338 K) with a step size of 10 K. Secondly, the thermodynamic parameters such as standard enthalpy (ΔH°), standard entropy (ΔS°),and Gibbs energy (∆G) were calculated, where a positive value of ΔH° (+45.50 kJ/mol) was found, which shows that the reaction is endothermic. In addition, the low value of ΔS°(+0.24 kJ/mol) indicates a slight increase in the disorder in the reaction medium. Furthermore, the negative values of ΔG between −35.62 kJ/mol and −26.02 kJ/mol show that the complex formation process is spontaneous. Finally, the parameters of the kinetics of the reaction between OPA and AGM were determined as follows: when the initial concentration of AGM (5 × 10−6 M) is equal to that of the OPA, the results show that the reaction follows an overall 1.5 order kinetics with an initial rate of 5.1 × 10−7Mmin−1 and a half-life of 8.12 min. The partial order found in relation to the AGM is 0.8. This work shows that the excess of OPA accelerates the formation reaction of the complex.


Author(s):  
F. Levi ◽  
M. Gobbi ◽  
M. Farina ◽  
G. Mastinu

In the paper, the problem of choosing a single final design solution among a large set of Pareto-optimal solutions is addressed. Two methods, the k-optimality approach and the more general k-ε-optimality method will be introduced. These two methods theoretically justify and mathematically define the designer’s tendency to choose solutions which are “in the middle” of the Pareto-optimal set. These two methods have been applied to the solution of a relatively simple engineering problem, i.e. the selection of the stiffness and damping of a passively suspended vehicle in order to get the best compromise between discomfort, road holding and working space. The final design solution, found by means of the k-ε-optimality approach seems consistent with the solution selected by skilled suspensions specialists. Finally the k-optimality method has proved to be very effective also when applied to complex engineering problems. The optimization of the tyre/suspension system of a sports car has been formulated as a design problem with 18 objective functions. A large set of Pareto-optimal solutions have been computed. Again, the k-optimality approach has proved to be a useful tool for the selection of a fully satisfactory final design solution.


2018 ◽  
Vol 199 ◽  
pp. 10007
Author(s):  
Andrew Rowan ◽  
Les Thomson

The Olifants River Bridge B3611 carries the N11 over the Olifants River, just North of the Loskop Dam. This structure was originally built in 1979 and was recently widened as part of the South African Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL)’s upgrade to the N11. At the time of design, very little was known about the bridge as no ‘As Built' drawings were available. Due to the remote locality of the structure, exploratory investigations were reserved until the construction phase. The final design solution was therefore amended during the construction phase in order to account for the reinforcement found within the structure. In addition to the heavier dead weight of the new widened deck, the bridge would be required to carry higher loads under modern loading codes. Widening works included new widened cantilevers with new reinforced concrete balustrades, tying into existing reinforcement. Strengthening for bending was provided to the main deck beams by means of longitudinal FRP plates epoxied to the soffit. Transverse pierhead strengthening using DYWIDAG bars was installed to counter increased moments, and pier strengthening using a reinforced concrete jacket was implemented to strengthen the piers. Durability concrete was specified in accordance with current SANRAL regulations and the durability performance of the concrete, even in this remote location was excellent. This paper summarises the work that was completed as part of this project.


Author(s):  
Bo T. Christensen

AbstractTwo studies tested whether introducing images to designers during the design process lead to more useful design solutions as evaluated by the end users’ willingness to use the final design. It was hypothesized based on theories in cognitive science and design that there were at least two paths from images to usefulness. One path concerns analogically transferring within-domain properties to the design solution. The other path concerns mentally simulating end-user characteristics and preferences and inclusion of the user in the resulting design. Study 1 supported that random images led to increased outcome usefulness, and supported both hypothesized paths, by using within-domain products and end-user images as input. Study 2 showed that the image categories competed for attention, and that the within-domain product stimuli attracted the most attention and was considered the most inspirational to the designers. The practical use of the technique may lead to only marginally original products perhaps limiting its applicability to incremental innovation.


1984 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 279-285
Author(s):  
F. R. Weiner

This paper describes the analysis and design of the five kinds of heat exchangers used in the thermal storage subsystem of the 10 MWe Solar Central Receiver Pilot Plant, now becoming more known as “Solar One.” The paper discusses the practices and standards used in the designs of the heat exchangers, lists the heat exchanger design requirements, and discusses the process conditions. The design assumptions and constraints, the geometrical considerations, and the tradeoff studies that were conducted to optimize the designs are also discussed. A description of each heat exchanger reveals the final design solution. Novel and unique features of a power plant that must operate on a daily sun-cycle are identified.


Author(s):  
Shraddha Joshi ◽  
Joshua D. Summers

It is desirable that the graduating engineering students possess the skills of formulating and solving engineering problems to design solutions that meet the established requirements. However, the current literature has noticeable gaps pertaining to understanding how the formulation of design problems and establishment of requirements affect the final design solution. The ultimate goal of this research is to understand the influence of the level of detail of problem statement and requirements on the level of detail of final solution. In order to accomplish this goal a coding scheme is developed to systematically code the information in the final design reports from capstone design class collected over a period of ten years from 1999 to 2008. The coded information is used to develop mappings between problem statement and final solution. To this end, this paper describes the scheme for systematically coding the problem statement and final design solution.


2019 ◽  
Vol 262 ◽  
pp. 11002
Author(s):  
Witold Bogusz ◽  
Tomasz Godlewski

Intensive development of railway infrastructure in Poland is associated with significant support provided for that purpose by the European Union, especially, by investments in the modernization of existing railway lines. Together with the improvement of the infrastructure in less developed countries, an interoperability of rail system at the international level is sought through the technical harmonization, mostly by the introduction of European regulations and technical standards. The paper presents the main requirements associated with the geotechnical aspects of design of railway embankments, mostly relating to their overall stability and maintenance of serviceability. Some aspects of the European standards as well as international, national, and internal regulations, are discusses in the context of challenges encountered by designers. The main geotechnical issues are associated with safety requirements, loading conditions, geometry of railway embankments, as well as the scope of geotechnical investigation necessary to make an informed decision on a final design solution.


Author(s):  
Erich Elkins ◽  
John E. Quinn

A process for developing the user interface and the industrial design for products intended for international markets is presented. The process was derived from lessons learned while developing a business telecommunications device. The device required an interface that was easier to use and a product design that would be attractive to worldwide business users. The design process was based on two iterations of user testing. The first iteration included 51 users from three major U.S. metropolitan areas; while the second had 294 users from four European cities, three U.S., and two Asian. The recommended process requires that multiple competing designs be presented to users for iterative validation and revision before selecting the final design. The competing designs increase the likelihood that cultural differences are met and the best design solution is achieved.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (55) ◽  
pp. 119-135
Author(s):  
Felipe Fiorentin ◽  
Bernardo Oliveira ◽  
João Pereira ◽  
José Correia ◽  
Abilio M.P. de Jesus ◽  
...  

The main goal of the present research is to propose an integrated methodology to address the fatigue performance of topology optimized components, produced by additive manufacturing. The main steps of the component design will be presented, specially the methods and parameters applied to the topology optimization and the post-smoothing process. The SIMP method was applied in order to obtain a lighter component and a suitable stiffness for the desired application. In addition, since residual stresses are intrinsic to every metallic additive manufacturing process, the influence of those stresses will be also analyzed. The Laser Powder Bed Fusion was numerically simulated aiming at evaluating the residual stresses the workpiece during the manufacturing process and to investigate how they could influence the fatigue behavior of the optimized component. The effect of the built orientation of the workpiece on the residual stresses at some selected potential critical points are evaluated. The final design solution presented a stiffness/volume ratio nearly 6 times higher when compared to the initial geometry. By choosing the built orientation, it is possible impact favorably in the fatigue life of the component.


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