Product DNA

By linking which properties lead to which functions, CREAX developed an efficient, complete and easy to use systematic innovation methodology for any domain.

Properties and functions

The difference between a product and a better product is the variation of its properties to gain new or improved functions.

Our continuous research into innovation methods resulted in this unique discovery of the typical connection between properties and functions. Each property of a system (product or technology), can be seen as a turning knot that can be varied. These variations lead to improved or new functions. Some simple examples:

System	Property		Function
Something	flexible	can	be folded
			e.g. jointed rulers for measuring e.g. mobile phones
	pulsated		be more efficient
			e.g. ABS braking e.g. drilling
	hollow		contain something
			insulate
			reduce weight

ProductDNA, a base for analogy (is dit juiste tagline?)

The properties and function a system uses or is able to use is part of its "ProductDNA". Once the current ProductDNA is identified, the CREAX method makes it possible to take the following directions to innovate your system.

Directed Variation

Directed Analogy

Changing properties in order to gain new or improved functions or vice versa finding out which properties need to be changed to achieve your desired function.

Comparing similar products and technologies (that have similar DNA) in order to learn from them.

1) Starting from properties
E.g. finding innovations for a sugar cube

a line sugar allows you to stir
a hollow sugar might float
a scented sugar allows you to customize

2) Starting from your function
E.g. you want to find a way to better dissolve sugar in your coffee

change state into a liquid
segment into a power
make it hollow or porous

1) Starting from the ProductDNA find systems that are similar, yet different.

Related products from other domains give great opportunities for transferring technology.

Auto balancing solutions for truck wheels can be transferred to solve balancing problems of washing machines
Using static charge to paint cars, can be transferred to attract dust for household cleaning
Curved sides on chocolate bar packaging for easy opening, can be transferred to adhesive tape to tear it apart without needing scissors

CREAX developed a unique patent pending search engine to search knowledge databases according to the properties/functions methodology. This enables thinking out of the box, linking different domains and comparing apples and oranges.

Want to know more? Email us at info@creax.com.