Concept Modeling

Engineers understand that everything starts with an idea.  But what engineers need to remember is that truly great ideas are built on a concept.  To me, the idea of a concept is a very deep understanding or grasp - - the most basic understanding of something.  Both context and empathy are key components of this deep and fundamental understanding of a problem or issue.  This is the basis for concept modeling.

Think about this the next time your are at Starbucks.  Look at your Starbucks coffee cup - - in a far distance time and world, paper cups had little paper handles that mimicked those on ceramic mugs.  But someone came up with a sleeve and presumably made a zillion dollars.  Because the person understood that the underlying concept runs much deeper than the mere notion of an ear-like protuberance on the side of a paper cylinder.  They understood the essence of what was at play - - they understood connections, context, and the required capabilities.  They were empathetic to the end user - - because they had probably also held a hot cup of coffee.

They understood the concept and were very good at the mental models associated with developing their own conceptual model of a workable solution.  They were conceptual problem solvers and not just shallow solution seekers.