The 3iiiC Method

Designing and evaluating technical concepts

Multiple treatments of the 3iiiC logo

Invent

Create a new work to do a new job or mission, which people have not seen before.

“What’s new?”

The work should be or incorporate a device that has a physical form that has not been seen before, or performs a function that would be difficult to replicate in any other way.

Examples of a new device might be a vehicle configuration, engine, flight control, landing gear. A new mission might be hauling trash to the sun or frying burgers on a heat shield.

Inform

Provide new information via context and detail, so people can understand the work and learn from it.

“What can I learn from it?”

The work and presentation should provide new knowledge via context and detail, with sufficient clarity that others can use it to improve their own understanding, skill and work.

Examples of new knowledge include: functionality; origin, material composition; manufacturability; supporting scientific phenomenon; interactivity with people, other objects, or the environment.

Inspire

Evoke a desire to study or understand the work and related technology further:

“What can I do about it?”

The new invention, new information, and overall presentation should be sufficiently thorough and compelling to motivate others to take action.

Examples of action include: sharing with others, providing analytical commentary, study the object more deeply, improve their own work, imagine a world or story related to the work, or created a related or follow-on work.

3iiiC Method Examples

Applying 3iiiC to Pan Spatial concept vehicles

Diagrammed 3iiiC breakdown of Pan Spatial Killswitch.

Killswitch

3iiiC example

Diagrammed 3iiiC breakdown of Pan Spatial Killswitch.

Dragonwing

3iiiC example

Diagrammed 3iiiC breakdown of Pan Spatial Killswitch.

Argonas

3iiiC example