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.
Disruptive vs. Sustaining Technology and the Design Process
Kaldate, Amit; Thurston, Deborah; Rood, Mark
Type:
Year:
2009
Editor:
Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author:
Series:
ICED
Section:
Design for X, Design to X
Page(s):
277-288
Abstract:
The preliminary stages of design often focus on how to configure the artifact in such a way as to beat the existing competition in a performance attribute widely available in the marketplace. But this approach ignores an aspect of the business systems environment in which the product will exist. Business considerations, including competitive positioning and marketing, are most often addressed only after the product is fully developed. It is thus possible that the wrong performance attributes were improved, at the cost of ignoring others that could better enhance long term marketplace competitiveness. This can lead to products that are either not competitive, and/or that are not marketed in an appropriate manner. This paper presents a framework for including marketplace systems considerations into the early stages of product development. During this early stage, design decisions are being made that determine which performance attributes should be developed, and the extent to which efforts should be made to improve those features. An example of development of a novel air pollution control system is presented that illustrates the benefits of employing the framework.
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