Design processes often start with defining a problem and diverging to identify possible solutions; however, some design processes start with technologies and diverge to consider potential problems that these technologies can solve. In this latter process, engineers ‘match’ their technologies to problems, a term we define as “solution mapping.” However, limited design strategies are available to support solution mapping. To fill this gap, we collected data from engineering practitioners on their processes for solution mapping and translated those findings to a shareable design tool for student engineers. In this paper, we describe this process, including our summary of our findings from interviews with practicing engineers who successfully identified applications for technologies they developed, and how patterns from data analysis were translated into a design tool. We also include data from pilot testing with the tool and how the pilot tests were used to refine the tool. Through this process, we were able to develop and refine an empirically-based design tool to aid solution mapping.
Jin Woo Lee received a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Jin's research focuses on studying and developing design strategies, particularly in problem definition and concept generation.
Shanna Daly is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan. She has a B.E. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Dayton (2003) and a Ph.D. in Engineering Education from Purdue University (2008). Her research focuses on strategies for design innovations through divergent and convergent thinking as well as through deep needs and community assessments using design ethnography, and translating those strategies to design tools and education. She teaches design and entrepreneurship courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, focusing on front-end design processes.
Aileen is faculty in Engineering Education and Biomedical Engineering. Previously, Aileen was the Associate Director for Academics in the Center for Entrepreneurship and was responsible for building the Program in Entrepreneurship for UM undergraduates, co-developing the masters level entrepreneurship program, and launching the biomedical engineering graduate design program. Aileen has received a number of awards for her teaching, including the Thomas M. Sawyer, Jr. Teaching Award, the UM ASEE Outstanding Professor Award and the Teaching with Sakai Innovation Award. Prior to joining the University of Michigan faculty, she worked in the private sector gaining experience in biotech, defense, and medical device testing at large companies and start-ups. Aileen’s current research areas include entrepreneurship engineering education, impact and engaged learning. Aileen has a Bachelor’s of Science in Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania, a Doctorate of Philosophy from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business. Aileen is also a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Beta Sigma Gamma.
Colleen M. Seifert is an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan. She received her Ph.D. in Cognitive Science and psychology at Yale University. She was an ASEE postdoctoral fellow at the University of California – San Diego and the Navy Personnel Research Development Center. Her research interests center on learning, memory, and creativity.
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