Final answer:
Option (b), To narrow the problem space, decrease exploitation, focus on fewer options, and improve them rather than adding more options or expanding the search space.
Step-by-step explanation:
To narrow the problem space and save time in the design process, the best strategy is to decrease exploitation. This involves focusing on a smaller set of options and intensively exploring and improving them. In the Explore Possibilities stage of the design process, this would typically mean understanding the design characteristics better and identifying the likely advantages and disadvantages of fewer, more selected designs.
Instead of adding more options or expanding the search space, which could dilute efforts and increase the complexity, narrowing down helps in efficiently using resources and making more targeted improvements.
Exploring internally for ideas is also crucial, as it taps into existing knowledge and can streamline the path to a viable solution. It's important to strike a balance between exploration and exploitation in problem-solving, just as explorers in uncharted territory have to choose their paths wisely to effectively map their surroundings.