Axiomatic Design as an innovation framework

Abstract

Abstract Innovation can be defined as a set of processes for altering human activity, with economic or social relevance. Innovation has been the economic driver of several companies and countries. This article presents laws with preconditions for innovation, and it proposes a framework for innovation based on Axiomatic Design (AD) theory. There are three laws which set out necessary preconditions to initiate and maintain innovation. Research, financing, and companies that can carry out an innovation project, must be available for a project. AD can be a tool for innovation. Three main elements to AD are: Suh’s axioms, to maintain functional independence and minimize information content; a structure, domains and hierarchies in which solutions develop; and a process, decomposing from abstract to detailed components and physically integrating components into a complete solution. Suh’s axioms ensure that design solutions are adjustable, controllable, and robust. These are essential elements in innovation. Design matrices for functional–physical relationships select for independence, then information content is used to select the best solution. Design structures are completed by zigzagging between functional, physical, and process domains, creating the hierarchical decompositions of abstraction while applying Suh’s axioms at each level.