APPROACHES FOR IMPROVING M METHOD BASED ON REQUIREMENTS FOR IDEA GENERATION METHODS

Abstract

Design artifacts have become massive and more complex. With that, the elements required for designing them are increasing steadily. To cope with this situation, both "rational thinking" and "unrestricted thinking" are necessary. The M method-a generic name for design methods using the Multispace design model-enables the two types of thinking. This study aims to evaluate the usefulness of the M-BAR, a type of the M method, and propose ways to improve it. We do this by first establishing requirements for idea generation methods, then conducting a design workshop to design products under two conditions: using the M-BAR and not using the M-BAR. Participants are subsequently asked to evaluate the process using the requirements. The results reveal that five out of seven teams extracted more design elements when using the M method. Based on the findings, we suggest approaches for improving the M-BAR.