Abstract:

The structural similarities between humor and innovation are well documented. However, its application to technical problems is limited by the constraints of physics inherent in technical design. We have developed a three part process that uses humorous improvisation exercises to sample idea space in search of a solution to a specific technical engineering challenge. Unlike more creative challenges, where the solution space is relatively unconstrained, this method accounts for the technical constraints involved in engineering design. Humorous improvisation is used to facilitate divergent thinking in the initial step to generate candidate solutions. These candidate solutions are then filtered through a convergent step via comparison with a specific technical problem to produce focused solutions. Finally, the group evaluates the feasibility of this focused solution in an emergent step to produce feasible solutions to the specific technical problem. Preliminary results with university engineering students show the successful production of solutions that reside well outside the original design space. This method is the creativity equivalent of a Monte Carlo model for engineering modeling. Since the first step (divergent thinking using humorous improvisation) is unconstrained before filtering in the convergent step, this approach is relatively inefficient. Limiting these initial candidate solutions can increase efficiency, much like well-chosen system perturbations in a Monte Carlo model can increase modeling efficiency. Recently we have modified this creativity approach to improve its efficiency by tightly binding the divergent and convergent steps. This involves design of specific improvisation exercises that incorporate design thinking and the specific technical problem constraints. We will describe the systematic steps of this new efficient procedure for engineering and how it efficiently samples phase space. Examples of its application will also be discussed.

Keywords:

Engineering, design, design thinking, humor, improvisation, ideation, idea space.