Systematic Innovation Workshop

Unlock Your Creative Potential: Systematic Innovation Workshop 

Event Details 

Date: March 22, 2024

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 12 p.m.   

Location: Siebert Innovation Center, Engineering Building, University of Detroit Mercy

Registration Fee: $50.  

Spaces are limited! Reserve your spot now.

For inquiries, please contact: Jonathan Weaver (weaverjm@udmercy.edu) or Darrell Kleinke (kleinked@udmercy.edu)

Unlock Your Creative Potential:  We invite you to be part of this transformative experience. Empower yourself and your organization with the mindset and tools to innovate systematically. Together, let's revolutionize the way we think, create, and innovate. 

Transform Ideas into Impact at UDM's Systematic Innovation Workshop! 

About the Workshop 

This workshop is designed for engineers passionate about mastering systematic innovation. At the heart of this event is the belief that innovation is not just an idea or a corporate initiative; it's a skill that can be cultivated and mastered. Yet, many engineers lack exposure to practical innovation techniques. Driven by this need, our distinguished presenters, Dr. Jonathan Weaver and Dr. Darrell Kleinke, bring you an interactive workshop packed with insights, hands-on eye-opening experiences, and systematic innovation techniques. 

Why Attend? 

Innovation is the key to getting and staying ahead in today's competitive landscape. This workshop offers: 

• Practical Learning: Dive into our 'Systematic Innovator’s Toolbox,' featuring over thirty tools organized into three drawers: Strategy and Problem Definition, Ideation, and Idea Management. Learn to recognize opportunities and develop creative, high-value solutions.  The workshop includes mindset exercises and hands-on activities that demonstrate the need for and value of systematic innovation techniques. 
• Networking: Connect with like-minded professionals, revisit your alma mater, and expand your professional network. Forge meaningful connections that could spark future collaborations. 
• Expert Guidance: Benefit from the extensive industry experience of Dr. Weaver and Dr. Kleinke. Gain insights into innovation, creativity, and the product development process from experts who have successfully bridged academia and industry. Dr. Weaver and Dr, Kleinke have trained thousands of students and practicing engineers on systematic innovation in addition to conducting numerous applied workshops on the topic. 

Workshop Highlights 

• Structured Approach: Discover methodical processes that empower you to identify opportunities, develop innovative concepts, and overcome corporate roadblocks to innovation. 
• Hands-On Experience: Engage in interactive exercises designed to foster an innovative mindset. Apply the techniques firsthand and learn how to select the most promising ideas for further development. 

Tool Snippet 

As a quick snippet of what we mean by a systematic innovation tool, consider biomimicry, or design inspired by nature.  Biomimicry, one of the tools in the ideation drawer of the toolbox, has been used to eliminate shock wave problems as the Shinkansen (Japanese Bullet Train) emerges from tunnels at high speed and to design buildings that manage thermal loads with insights gained from studying termite mounds.  The workshop will introduce the process by which your next innovation can be inspired by nature!   

Key Takeaways 

By the end of the workshop, you will: 

• Recognize Opportunities: Develop the ability to identify opportunities ripe for innovative solutions. 
• Generate and Implement Great Ideas: Apply systematic innovation techniques to generate a substantial number of creative concepts and select the most promising ones for implementation. 
• Foster a Culture of Innovation: Learn strategies to create a sustainable culture of innovation within your organization empowering it to routinely generate great, high-value product ideas. 

Presenter Bios 

Dr. Jonathan Weaver: Professor of Mechanical Engineering at UDM, Dr. Weaver combines academic expertise with real-world industry insights. His innovative teaching methods have empowered countless engineers. 

Dr. Darrell Kleinke: A seasoned professional with a rich background in industry and academia, Dr. Kleinke's passion for innovation and engineering education has inspired many. His expertise in structured innovation and leadership is unparalleled.