We Need a Universal Design Project Outcome Performance Measurement Metric: A Discussion Based on Empirical Research

DS 58-6: Proceedings of ICED 09, the 17th International Conference on Engineering Design, Vol. 6, Design Methods and Tools (pt. 2), Palo Alto, CA, USA, 24.-27.08.2009

Year: 2009
Editor: Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author: Skogstad, Philipp; Steinert, Martin; Gumerlock, Karl; Leifer, Larry
Series: ICED
Section: Design Methods and Tools
Page(s): 473-484

Abstract

This paper aims to contribute and channel a discussion on the need for a universal outcome performance measurement for design projects. After introducing the problem verbally, an example situation of a missing universal success metric is given based on research in the context of a project-based engineering curriculum. The lack of such metric poses two problems: 1) when facing the choice between design projects of fundamentally different nature and industries, enterprises make suboptimal resource allocation decisions; 2) since a general common denominator in form of a success metric is missing, current design research is restricted to analyzing and comparing similar design projects. Currently there is no agreement on a general construct or variable that defines and measures the success of design projects. Hence a universally accepted dependent variable may be needed in order to create, test and verify/falsify hypotheses and theories through methods such as meta-analyses.

Keywords: design metrics, performance measurement and evaluation, inter project comparison, engineering design education

Download

Please sign in to your account

This site uses cookies and other tracking technologies to assist with navigation and your ability to provide feedback, analyse your use of our products and services, assist with our promotional and marketing efforts, and provide content from third parties. Privacy Policy.