Step 4. Explore Systematically
• Aimed at navigating the space of possibilities by organizing and synthesizing these solution fragments
• Two specific tools:
o Concept classification tree
Divide possible solutions into independent categories
Prune the less promising branches
Identify independent approaches to the problem
Expose inappropriate emphasis on certain branches
Refine problem decomposition for a particular branch
o Concept combination table
Columns correspond to identified subproblems
Entries in each column correspond to solution fragments for each of the subproblems derived from the external and internal searches
Potential solutions to the overall problem are formed by combining one fragment from each column
Combination of fragments must usually be developed and refined before an integrated solution emerges
Involves additional creative thought
If a fragment can be eliminated as being infeasible before combining it with other fragments, then the number of combinations the team needs to consider is reduced
The table should be concentrated on subproblems that are coupled
• Managing the exploration process
o Acts more as a guide for further creative thinking
o Refinement of original problem decomposition
o Pursuit of additional external or internal search