26: COPYING

Copying is the practice of using a copy, model, or representation of an object or action instead of the original—especially when the original is expensive, fragile, dangerous, difficult to access, or hard to measure directly. Instead of interacting with the physical, you use replicas, simulations, templates, digital twins, or optical/sonic signals that provide the 'needed function' while reducing risk and cost.

This principle is expressed in three common moves:

•

Use a simpler/cheaper model instead of the real object which is fragile, hard to use, non-reliable, or dangerous;

•

Replace an expensive/hard-to-handle object with a cheap replica or representation that provides the same function for the task;

•

Use optical, acoustic, or any material-based images, scans, sensor signals, digital twins to view, test, or control without direct contact;

Digital twin illustrating risk-free testing

Dummy illustrating safe measurement of harmful events

Architectural model illustrating complex system visualization

Code illustrating information representation over the physical object

Why "Copying" creates innovation?

When you use copies strategically, you unlock multiple advantages at once:

Lower risk and safer testing: test ideas without damaging the original or exposing people to hazards.

Rapid learning and iteration: prototypes and simulations enable rapid trials and design cycles.

Reduced cost: simpler replicas avoid short-circuits or consuming expensive master objects in future trials.

Better measurement and insight: analytical models and representations can be analyzed in ways that the physical object cannot.

Enables remote and parallel work: copies (especially digital) allow collaboration, testing, diagnostics, and control without needing the original in one site.

26: COPYING

This principle is expressed in three common moves:

•

Use a simpler/cheaper model instead of the real object which is fragile, hard to use, non-reliable, or dangerous;

•

Replace an expensive/hard-to-handle object with a cheap replica or representation that provides the same function for the task;

•

Use optical, acoustic, or any material-based images, scans, sensor signals, digital twins to view, test, or control without direct contact;

Why "Copying" creates innovation?

When you use copies strategically, you unlock multiple advantages at once:

Lower risk and safer testing: test ideas without damaging the original or exposing people to hazards.

Rapid learning and iteration: prototypes and simulations enable rapid trials and design cycles.

Reduced cost: simpler replicas avoid short-circuits or consuming expensive master objects in future trials.

Better measurement and insight: analytical models and representations can be analyzed in ways that the physical object cannot.

Enables remote and parallel work: copies (especially digital) allow collaboration, testing, diagnostics, and control without needing the original in one site.

Under Construction

26: COPYING

This principle is expressed in three common moves:

Why "Copying" creates innovation?

Under Construction

26: COPYING

This principle is expressed in three common moves:

Why "Copying" creates innovation?