When the problem is viewed from this angle the nature of a good solution is completely different. The emphasis on a common problem definition is important so that all solution design activity focuses on a common set of requirements. In general, however, any set of comprehensive design principles would provide the necessary fundamental concepts for open interpretation. No two people are likely to employ fundamental knowledge to precisely the same ends. Principle-based design invites collaborative learning as each participant goes away with a deeper but very personal understanding.
Principles are tools rather than recipes.
Finding evidence of the principles in a practice being analyzed and employing them in the design of a new practice is thought provoking work. Basing the participant activity on fundamental principles rather than on recipe steps creates an environment in which people must actively think and struggle with new concepts. The primary objective of the Realsearch 1997 Discovery Workshop Series was in fact aimed at testing and refining this set of principles. The insights we hoped to generate would be based on these principles. The new knowledge the workshop series intended to create was the refinement and applicability of these principles in different business environments.