While thinking in constraints is a key element of frugal innovation, it remains underexplored in the context of developing frugal innovations. Based on insights from the literature and two cases from the medical device industry, this article introduces the concept of constraint-based thinking to drive the frugal product development process based on constraints. This approach is operationalized through a systematic and iterative process to investigate the visible and underlying symptoms of different types of constraints, which are then mapped to specific product features and requirements. It consists of a problem space and a solution space, which are based on the idea that constraints are opportunities to develop innovative solutions. The main components of the constraint-based thinking approach are as follows: first, the identification of constraints or existing limitations, hindrances behind the current status quo that need to be changed; second, a root-cause analysis to understand the underlying causes for each of the identified constraints; third, a mapping of each of those causes to specific product characteristics or requirements; and, fourth, development of a minimal viable product or a prototype. This approach can be used both by companies to develop frugal innovations and by researchers to further develop the link between constraints and new products and services.

中文翻译：

---

基于约束的思维：发展节俭创新的结构化方法

尽管在约束中思考是节俭创新的关键要素，但在发展节俭创新的背景下，它仍未得到充分的研究。基于文献的见解和医疗器械行业的两个案例，本文介绍了“医疗器械”的概念。基于约束的思维基于约束条件驱动节俭的产品开发过程。该方法通过系统的迭代过程进行操作，以研究不同类型约束的可见和潜在症状，然后将其映射到特定的产品功能和要求。它由问题空间和解决方案空间组成，它们基于这样的想法：约束是开发创新解决方案的机会。的主要组成部分基于约束的思维方法如下：首先，确定约束或现有限制，当前现状背后的障碍需要改变；其次，进行根本原因分析，以了解每个已识别约束的根本原因；第三，将这些原因中的每一个映射到特定的产品特性或要求；第四，开发最小可行的产品或原型。公司可以使用这种方法来开发节俭的创新，研究人员也可以使用这种方法来进一步开发约束与新产品和服务之间的联系。