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.
ON THE FUNCTIONS OF PRODUCTS
Aurisicchio, Marco; Eng, Nathan Lee; Ortiz Nicolas, Juan Carlos; Childs, Peter R.N.; Bracewell, Rob H.
Type:
Year:
2011
Editor:
Culley, S.J.; Hicks, B.J.; McAloone, T.C.; Howard, T.J. & Dong, A.
Author:
Aurisicchio, Marco; Eng, Nathan Lee; Ortiz Nicolas, Juan Carlos; Childs, Peter R.N.; Bracewell, Rob H.
Section:
Design Methods and Tools Part 2
Page(s):
443-455
Abstract:
Understanding the performance and manner of functioning of existing products is at the base of new product development activities. In engineering design the term function is generally used to refer to the technical actions performed by a product. However, products accomplish a wider range of goals. This research has explored the opportunity to describe and model, through the concept of function, product actions across four dimensions including technical, aesthetic, social and economic. The research has demonstrated that non-technical functions can be represented through active verbs and nouns and modelled using a method known as the Function Analysis Diagram (FAD). The research argues that when technical, aesthetic, social and economic perspectives on product development are considered as different types of function, stakeholders have a common language to communicate which can benefit design collaboration.
Keywords:
