In a biomechanical engineering study, a pressure-activated, colour-changing, and flexible material has been developed, stemming from an initial problem application. However, a technical innovation can transcend its original intent, thereby gaining value for engineers or technical managers. The problem is that there is a lack of guidance in retrieving alternative applications, and research into such problem-finding methods is scarce and dispersed across various groups. Through an innovative approach to the literature review, valuable tools and techniques have been identified within relevant articles, categorisable into qualitative, quantitative, and hybrid approaches. These approaches are delineated across four conceived steps: (1) Define the technological characteristics, (2) Generalise the function of the technology, (3) Link the generalised functions to abstract problem applications, and (4) Choose an application. Furthermore, connections have been established among the different approaches, enabling multiple paths for executing these four steps. This research presents the design of a framework that showcases multiple problem-finding processes suited to different situations. The qualitative component of this framework has been validated by implementing these steps for the pressure-activated, colour-changing and flexible material and retrieving its initial purpose and other feasible and innovative applications.

The MLD massage is a key component of a lymphedema patient’s treatment. Currently, research is ongoing manifesting a transition from system care to self-care by designing robotic sleeves that are able to perform an effective and safe MLD massage enabling the patient to gain a sense of empowerment and ownership over their treatment and time. This research presents an innovative approach towards the MLD treatment by introducing an intermediate step: the bio-inspired design of the patient training education tool (PTET), a tool which aids the patient in performing the MLD massage safely and efficiently by themselves. The PTET is a pliable and slim sheet that easily adapts to the contours of the limb. Exerting manual pressure onto this sheet induces a colour change at a specific pressure threshold, giving the lymphedema patients a visual sign they have reached the required amount of pressure for this type of massage. The mechanism of colour change is inspired by the cephalopod’s dispersion and aggregation of its chromatophores. This study presents the design and validation of the working mechanism of a bio-inspired flexible colour-changing sheet, and first insights into the adaptability of the design variables and their relation to the threshold pressure, threshold indent and degree of colour change.