Department of Mechanical Engineering, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
ME50306 Creativity and innovation methods |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: EX100 |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: To familiarise the student with the fundamentals of a strategic innovation theory and its practical applications and a number of advanced creativity methods.
Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to: * Understand how to use SIT to initiate and analyse the process of technical innovation. * Balance the four fundamental requirements of modern design identified. * Understand the paradoxical elements behind industrial innovation, including the principles of psychology of creativity, the role of social drivers, the limits of natural resources and the potential for thinking culture and technology. * Understand the relationship between creativity and innovation. * Be familiar with a variety of creative methods. Skills: Ability to differentiate between, and balance, the four fundamental principles of modern design; develop performance of existing systems and create new systems. Content: Includes a background to the philiosophy & psychology of innovation and an introduction to the innovation design process focussed on creating and developing performance. The strategy links 4 main areas: social needs and market drivers, technological processes and product development, understanding of natural materials and resource development plus management of thinking culture and technology. |