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.
Aspects of Nonlinearity in Conceptual Design
Kroll, Ehud; Condoor, Sridhar S.
Type:
Year:
2009
Editor:
Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author:
Series:
ICED
Section:
Design Theory and Research Methodology
Page(s):
25-34
Abstract:
Systematic Design methods present a sequential model of conceptual design, whereby function structures are established, solution principles sought, and then combined to form the product concept. We argue that in reality, design is seldom such a linear process, and that linear design process models may hinder creativity and innovation. Two main aspects of conceptual design are used to support this argument: high-level functional reasoning and emergence of new concepts during - not just at the outset - of the conceptual design stage. A simple model that captures the nonlinearity and is therefore more suitable for describing the thought process of conceptual design is the Parameter Analysis methodology. We review it briefly and apply it to a case study of designing small aerodynamic decelerators. Several innovative concepts generated by Parameter Analysis are shown to be an unlikely result of a Systematic Design process.
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