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.
UNDERSTANDING THE WORLDS OF DESIGN AND ENGINEERING – AN APPRAISAL OF MODELS
Gudem, Martin; Boks, Casper; Welo, Torgeir
Type:
Year:
2011
Editor:
Culley, S.J.; Hicks, B.J.; McAloone, T.C.; Howard, T.J. & Reich, Y.
Author:
Series:
ICED
Section:
Design Theory and Research Methodology
Page(s):
13-22
Abstract:
Using product innovation models as reference, this study presents barriers preventing integration between the worlds of product design and engineering. Models illustrating workflow within both communities are compared, with the intention of revealing parallels and incompatibilities. Findings from research in design, cognitive theory, and innovation theory are then applied, seeking to explain why barriers exist. The study indicates a tendency in the design community towards seeing product development in a wider perspective, while engineers appear more concerned with technical detail. Furthermore, designers and engineers tend to have their own opinions about what design really is, what documentation forms are needed, how to tackle a problem, and why innovation models are needed. Seeking to develop mutual understanding, which is necessary for balancing ‘soft’ qualitative attributes and ‘hard’ performance requirements in product development, is challenging, since both groups possess limited capabilities in terms of recognizing or understanding what attributes are important to the other party.
Keywords:
