1.
The “Chinese Dragon”
Funnel
The Non-Linear Design Funnel of
Divergence + Convergence + Divergence +
Convergence…

2.
http://www.mech.utah.edu/senior_design/07/uploads
/Main/Lect12-ConceptSelection.pdf

3.
CC+CG
Initial number of
concepts based
on PDS
Initial number
reduced
New ones added
Further reduction
(FR)
Further addition
(FA)
FR
FA
CC
CC
CC
CG
CG
Apply controlled
convergence (CC)
Apply concept
generation (CG)
CONCEPT SELECTED
http://www.materials.ox.ac.uk/uploads/file/design/de
sign_notes1.ppt

4.
The div/conv linear model

5.
The “Chinese Dragon” Funnel

6.
The “Chinese Dragon” Funnel

7.
The “Chinese Dragon” Funnel
1
explore
solution
space
2
narrow
down
options
3
revise
solution
space
1
explore
solution
space
2
narrow
down
options
3
revise
solution
space
1
explore
solution
space
2
narrow
down
options
3
revise
solution
space

8.
The “Chinese Dragon” Funnel –key ideas
1. Temporary choices: Overall process is convergent (hence funnel),
but relies heavily on divergent decision-making
2. Successive approximations: Problem-solution coevolve together
3. Ideas are not light bulbs: Eureka! is less having the idea, and more
understanding it
4. Clear vision: but remain flexible (pivoting)
5. No right/wrong responses, but more/less appropriate
6. Abductive reasoning: ban the phrase “prove it!”
7. F4: Fail early, fail cheap, fail often, fail different