Introduction to Business Information Systems
KNOWLEDGE SUPPORT SYSTEMS
THE AMPLIFICATION
FOR CONCEPTUAL
OF CREATIVITY
DESIGN:
From: AAAI Technical Report SS-93-01. Compilation copyright © 1993, AAAI (www.aaai.org). All rights reserved.
ERNEST EDMONDS and LINDA CANDY
LUTClll Research Centre
Department of ComputerStudies
Loughborough
University of Technology
Lougtdgorough Leicestershire UK
Abstract. The paper is concerned with computer-based support for conceptual design and, in particular, with the support of creative design. The nature of conceptual design is briefly reviewed and the lack of effective computer support noted. Recent developments in computer-based
Knowledge
Support Systems, that offer interesting possibilities, are reviewed. The study of the early design of a clearly innovative product, the Lotus bicycle, is used to inform a discussion of the requirements for Knowledge
Support Systems that can support conceptual design.
Introduction
Thus, the process is as muchone of problemdefinition or selection as problemsolution: it is essentially creative.
The designer generates a set of scenarios or possible prototypical solutions at this stage. A potential problem, in relation to innovation, is that they tend to eliminate options early on in the process (Lawson, 1980). One important role that computer support could play is in keeping ideas open longer by providing "external" memory concept management and facilities.
As Faltings (1991) puts it,
"Most research in intelligent
CAD
systems has focused on detail design, the adaptation of an initial concept to precise specifications.
Little is known about the process of conceptual design, the transition between functional specification and concept of an artifact that achieves it.". Figure 1 gives an impression of the role that computers play, at the moment, in innovation. The boundaries between these activities are of prime concern. The question is, simply, "Can the CAE support begin sooner
and
THE AMPLIFICATION
FOR CONCEPTUAL
OF CREATIVITY
DESIGN:
From: AAAI Technical Report SS-93-01. Compilation copyright © 1993, AAAI (www.aaai.org). All rights reserved.
ERNEST EDMONDS and LINDA CANDY
LUTClll Research Centre
Department of ComputerStudies
Loughborough
University of Technology
Lougtdgorough Leicestershire UK
Abstract. The paper is concerned with computer-based support for conceptual design and, in particular, with the support of creative design. The nature of conceptual design is briefly reviewed and the lack of effective computer support noted. Recent developments in computer-based
Knowledge
Support Systems, that offer interesting possibilities, are reviewed. The study of the early design of a clearly innovative product, the Lotus bicycle, is used to inform a discussion of the requirements for Knowledge
Support Systems that can support conceptual design.
Introduction
Thus, the process is as muchone of problemdefinition or selection as problemsolution: it is essentially creative.
The designer generates a set of scenarios or possible prototypical solutions at this stage. A potential problem, in relation to innovation, is that they tend to eliminate options early on in the process (Lawson, 1980). One important role that computer support could play is in keeping ideas open longer by providing "external" memory concept management and facilities.
As Faltings (1991) puts it,
"Most research in intelligent
CAD
systems has focused on detail design, the adaptation of an initial concept to precise specifications.
Little is known about the process of conceptual design, the transition between functional specification and concept of an artifact that achieves it.". Figure 1 gives an impression of the role that computers play, at the moment, in innovation. The boundaries between these activities are of prime concern. The question is, simply, "Can the CAE support begin sooner
and
References: CANDY, O’BRIEN,S.M. & EDMONDS, (1993a). T.J. & MCDAID,E.(1992a). End User Knowled ManipulationSystems:The SpeechKnowledge CANDY, EDMONDS, & O’BRIEN,S.M. (19931)). Creativity. Darmell, T (ed). Studies in Cognitive Systems, FOSTER,T.J. (1992b) Knowledge Acquisition Refinement Using End-User Knowledge Manipulati. MCDAID, (1993). Constructing End-User Knowledge 1707,Orlando,Florida. Biswas,G. (ed). pp 25-36. SHAW,M. L. J. & GAINES, B. R. (1988). KITTE Knowledge Initiation and Transfer Tools for Experts a FALTINGS, (1991) FISCHER, & NAKAKOJI, (1992). Beyond the Macho G. 149 VISSER, (1992)