2.7 Chapter Summary

Myself when young did eagerly frequent

Doctor and Saint, and heard great argument

About it and about: but evermore

Came out the same door where in I went.

Omar Khayy m

This chapter presents a coherent theory of engineering design and some philosophical views about invention, creativity and learning. The intention of the discussion and examples offered is to elicit engagement and thinking about the nature and practice of engineering design problem solving.

Major themes explored in this chapter:

• The two identities of design problems, mapping from state-definition of a problem to the process-description, or abstract design specifications;

• Interaction matrices that permit search for clusters of strongly interacting elements of the design;

• Engagement with the problem as a major motivator for creative problem-solving behaviour;

• A brief compendium of generic MaT projects in engineering design;

• Benefits and costs of MaT projects and the formal planning for MaT projects in design.