Searching for Attribute Dependency

We have seen that the Attribute Dependency Template may serve to enable the development of a new product on the basis of an existing one – a standard candle becomes a non-drip candle, lipstick is improved, a new model of car emerges. However, each time we added a dependency and obtained a new product, we did not ask how we might identify the relevant variables, but took these for granted.

In this chapter we shall focus on the methodical identification of these dependencies, and describe in detail a structured process of the “management” of a search for new dependencies, by discussing two examples. In conclusion, we give a systematic operational recipe guiding the practical implementation of the method.

Classification of variables

Our aim is to “read” the information embedded in the product as if we were reading a map of potential changes, and to manage this information in a way that will enable the addition of a dependency. First, we must classify the variables according to the following criteria.

Internal versus external variables

An internal variable is under the full control of the manufacturer, who determines its values and characteristics. We have met internal variables such as the strength of a pole, the price of pizza, the color of a car and the melting temperature of wax.