EGRB 301

Spring 2019

Concept Generation Workbook

Step 1: Clarify the problem

1a. Make sure that you have completed the Design Specifications Workbook and that
your list of design specifications is complete. At this point, all team members should agree
that they have reviewed the design specifications and assert them to be complete, signified by
signing and dating below.

Name: Date:

_________Marissa Taylor____________ ______10/11/22_________

_________Abby Espinoza____________ ______10/11/22_________

_________Anushka Phadke__________ ______10/11/22_________

_________Valeria Espinoza__________ ______10/11/22___________

_________________________________ ______________________

1b. Decompose the problem into simpler subproblems. Draw a function diagram of the
system or process. Consider the input(s) to be within one of three categories: energy, material,
signal. Consider what a successful output should be. Consider steps or subprocesses that
would need to occur to transform your input into your output. Consider how energy, material,
and signals might need to interact as you go from input to output.
1c. Focus initial efforts on the critical subproblems. Identify which of these subproblems or
subprocesses is critical to the success of your design solution. You will use this when you go on
to the Concept Classification Tree and Concept Combination Table in Step 4.

- Accessible
- Navigation
- Efficient/useuble

Step 2. Search externally. Search patents and published literature to establish what solutions
already exist. Note: You likely already completed this step in the Research Meeting.

Benchmark related products. Note: You likely already completed this step in the Benchmarking
step of the Design Specifications Workbook.

-Mamava app

-Moms Pump Here app

Step 3. Search internally. Conduct a brainstorm session to come up with as many possible
solutions as possible. Remember to suspend judgment during this step. You will start to prune
your design solutions in the Concept Selection Workbook. Report the results of your brainstorm
session. This can be pictures of a whiteboard after a brainstorm session, or a bulleted list of
design concepts, or a table with thumbnail sketches (miniature drawings) or your initial designs.

● Airbnb app inspired: allows user to see location, availability, and reserve rooms
● Apple maps or google maps inspired: search for nearby location and navigate to rooms
● Add to VCU Navigate: no map, description of location and rooms

Step 4. Explore systematically. Create a concept combination table to tackle your critical
subproblem. Consider all the ways you can mix and match different solutions to come up with a
way to get an input to an acceptable output.

Accessible Navigation Security Efficient/Easy to

use

Anyone with Map of VCU QR codes Normal size text and

electronic device can font
download the app

Can view Rooms Step by step 4 digit number code Color coded
directions to get to
the location

Can book rooms Shows closest room VCU card access Intuitive set-up of app
to your location such that anybody
can easily use it

App shows Confirmations sent to User-friendly

availability of rooms email/phone number interface

Step 5. Reflect on the Results. Choose 3-5 design concepts that are the most likely
candidates for success to complete the Concept Selection Workbook. As a team, consider the
following questions:

- Concept 1: Airbnb inspired app

- Concept 2: Google Maps inspired app
 - Concept 3: Built-in feature in Navigate

• Is the team confident that the solution space has been fully explored?

• Are there alternative function diagrams?

• Are there alternative ways to decompose the problem?

• Have external sources been thoroughly pursued?

• Have ideas from everyone been accepted and integrated in the process?