“Modessa”: A Computer Aided Conceptual Design System

This paper describes the computer aided design system Modessa. Modessa is developed to support multi-disciplinary design teams in the conceptual design phase. Modessa is based on the “morphological design method” which decomposes the design problem into a number of so called functions. Then several alternatives are identified for each of these functions. These alternatives are visualized using pictures and arranged by function in a matrix which results in a so called “morphological overview”. Finally the alternatives are evaluated based on the customer requirements. The best alternatives for each function are combined to form the optimum solution for the design problem. Modessa supports multi-disciplinary design teams during the conceptual design process by: - Suggesting known design alternatives for design functions, thus leaving more time for the creation of novel design alternatives. - Offering a “common language” to objectively evaluate the design alternatives. - Simplifying the creation and reuse of the conceptual design documentation. Modessa is general purpose in nature and can be used for a wide variety of design applications. The kernel of Modessa is a design knowledge database that increases continuously as design teams add new functions (problems) and appropriate alternatives (solutions). In this paper the use of Modessa is illustrated by an industrial design example.