Using the theory of constraints to discover breakthrough solutions

Summary form only given. In the design and development arena, identifying the assumptions behind engineering judgements creates avenues for creative discovery. Finding ways to invalidate (work around) an assumption typically accepted by competition gives a competitive advantage. Verbalizing assumptions also establishes research target areas. Eliminating or 'evaporating' assumptions forms a new, creative idea. This paper discusses how to create evaporating clouds and how to break the assumptions. Two specific case studies demonstrate the effect on an easy and more difficult situation.