Systematic Innovation

training module

Multiplication
Multiplication
The idea in Multiplication is to create one or more copies of a product’s component.
Multiplication
Change the copy in some way to create new possibilities and add it to the original.
The two keywords for this tool are:
★More: add more copies of something that exists in the product
★Different: change those copies according to some parameter.

A multiplication (or addition) of

elements already existing in the
product along with a required
adjustment – a qualitative
change.

Examples:
Razor (3 blades)

Double-glass window (several

layers of glass with a different
function each)
Multiplication

Multiplication
1 • List all the internal components

2 • Take a component, Multiply it

3 •Make a change/ modification of replicated component

A multiplication (or addition) of
elements already existing in the
product along with a required
adjustment – a qualitative 4 •Visualize of the resulting virtual system
change.

Examples: 5 •Benefits, Possible markets and opportunities

Razor (3 blades)

Double-glass window (several

6 •Challenges for Feasibility & Adaptation
layers of glass with a different
function each)

7 •Adaptation
Multiplication

Gillete Blade :
• Select Blade component to multipy
Multiplication
Multiplication - Exercise
Current Situation : A standard Toilet

1) Breakdown of the product into its components and listing of all raw materials,
process components and steps, machines, etc.

Components

1. Ceramics 5. Water
2. Water inlet 6. Screws
3. Cistern 7. Outflow pips
4. Toilet Bowl 8. Suction Pipe
Multiplication - Exercise
SIT Tool - Multiplication

2) Selection of an important component and multiplication of this component.

This results in the existing situation being changed and provides for new intellectual scope

Selected Component for Multiplication

1. Ceramics 5. Water
2. Water inlet 6. Screws
3. Cistern 7. Outflow pips
4. Toilet Bowl 8. Suction Pipe
Multiplication - Exercise
Virtual Situation

3) An Additional Qualitative modification is now made to the multiplied component; Here the following
questions are asked : “How can multiplying water pipes be different to the original inlets (other
dimensions)?

4) Visualization of the resulting virtual situation

Multiplication - Exercise
Benefits

5. Which benefits are achieved through this virtual situation? Identification and listing of new or
hidden benefits in the newly developed virtual product. (Do not consider potential problems!)

• Why is it good for a toilet to have multiple water inlet pipes

with different diameters?
1. Water pipe around the whole toilet bowl
2. More water for flushing
3. All parts of the toilet bowl can be reached
4. Higher water pressure due to the reduction in diameter
5. Less water is required for the same flush performance
6. Minimization of mater needed
7. Reduction of variable costs
8. Etc.
Multiplication - Exercise
Challenges

6. How can the new benefit “Less water for the same flush performance” be technically achieved?
Multiplication - Exercise
Adaptations

7. In order to use less water but at the same time maintain the flush performance, several water
inlet pipes with varying diameters are incorporated into the design.

Systematic development of
the most resource saving
toilet in the world!!
Multiplication - Exercise
IDEA

8. Formulation of the final idea in line with the considerations that have been made.
Multiplication

• Don’t just take out troublesome components (That’s fine-tuning)

• Ex. : taking sugar out of soda, caffeine out of coffee
• Try taking out the essential component

• Avoid immediately replacing the subtracted component

• Don’t succumb to cognitive dissonance;

• Avoid simple unbundling