A systematic approach for introducing innovative product design in courses with engineering and nonengineering...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Innovation Management
• Global Product Development

Background:

• The modern global economy demands increased innovation in biomedical product development under tight resource and time constraints.
• Distributed teams are common in global product development, necessitating effective collaboration strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt an existing course to simulate a global, distributed team environment for biomedical product development.
• To assess the effectiveness of a systematic approach to innovation for diverse student teams.

Main Methods:

• Revised a course to include both on-campus and distance students in interdisciplinary teams.
• Incorporated engineers and students from other specialties within each team.
• Utilized interactive lectures and projects to teach a systematic innovation approach.

Main Results:

• Students reported the course as challenging and exciting.
• Demonstrated improved student ability to collaborate in distributed teams.
• Showcased enhanced student capacity for developing innovative design solutions.

Conclusions:

• A systematic approach to innovation can be effectively taught to interdisciplinary, distributed teams.
• The course successfully prepared students for the realities of global biomedical product development.
• Educational strategies can foster innovation and teamwork in simulated global economic conditions.