Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
CHARACTERISING THE INFORMATION REQUESTS OF ENGINEERING DESIGNERS
Aurisicchio, M.; Bracewell, R.; Wallace, K.M.
Type:
Year:
2006
Editor:
Marjanovic, D.
Author:
Section:
COMPETENCIES & COMMUNICATIONS
Page(s):
1057-1064
Abstract:
Information acquisition is an essential part of engineering design processes. However, the nature of information requests is still not well understood. Hence, a research project was carried out in collaboration with the aerospace group of a major power systems company, with the aim of characterising the requests formed when designing that make engineering designers search through external sources. In this project, information requests were studied using an ethnographic participation, a diary study and observations with shadowing. This paper presents the research undertaken to characterise information requests based on their objective, subject and response process. An information request can be considered as a speech act or conscious thought expressing a need related to the design task in hand.
Keywords:
