Directed variation of properties for new or improved function product DNA – A base for connect and develop

This paper builds up a procedure to connect previously unrelated domains in order to transfer existing knowledge to a given guest domain. The connections are based on properties: (what is or has) and functions (what does or undergoes). The abstraction of any system in its property – function strings reveals a system or ‘product DNA’ a base for charting out innovation directions as described in Directed Variation®. Based on product DNA, related domains and/or products can be identified that act as a source for knowledge transfer. Combining the strengths of language technology and directed variation, the process can largely be automated. The process brings a new capability of TRIZ-based methodologies; the theory behind it is explored in this paper.