Analysing complex engineering situations through problem graph

Analysis of Initial situation becomes an unavoidable step when facing with complex engineering situations. In literature, we observe many ways of describing such situations but none led to a coherent graphical description leading to the construction of a set of relevant contradictions. Nevertheless, in an Inventive Design process, this step appears necessary in order to guarantee to focus on the appropriate problem within a complex description in which many opportunities of R&D works can potentially lead to relevant or irrelevant technical investigations. This paper describes the logical sequence of steps to manage such situations and discusses on the coherence of these steps within the fundamentals of the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving. Our contribution is also described using the case study of Integrated Circuit development as domain in which our approach has been tested.