scholarly journals THE ROLE OF ENTROPY IN DESIGN THEORY AND METHODOLOGY

Author(s):  
Waseem A. Khan ◽  
Jorge Angeles

We outline here the pertinence of the concept of entropy in design theory and methodology. We do this by resorting to the concept of design complexity. The concept is illustrated with one example.

Author(s):  
F. A. Salustri ◽  
R. D. Venter

Abstract Recent research in Design Theory and Methodology has sought to formalize the engineering design process without particular concern for the paradigm used to model design information. The authors propose that no correct formalization of the design process can be achieved without first formalizing the semantics of the information used in the process. To this end, the authors present a new theory meant to formalize the semantics of design information that is independent of its use in a design process. Using symbolic logic, the theory is presented as a set of axioms, and draws from the object orientation and hypertext paradigms. Design entities are modeled by formal units called objects, and are related by formal structures called links. Abstraction mechanisms relevant to design are formalized and the role of constraints is explored. The hybrid model is meant not only to aid in the study of the design process itself, but also to improve communications between designers, assist standardization of design specifications, and develop new, powerful software tools to aid the designer in his work.


Author(s):  
Carlye Lauff ◽  
Daria Kotys-Schwartz ◽  
Mark E. Rentschler

This paper explores the nature of prototypes from three diverse companies in the fields of consumer electronics, footwear, and medical devices. It is part of a larger qualitative research study developing a prototyping framework grounded in the emergent findings from practice and detailed inductive inquiry. In this paper, we describe the methods for setting up an appropriate research design, highlighting the conceptual framework, means for data collection and analysis, and validity. Then, we describe the emergent findings, introducing a modified definition of a prototype and the three roles of prototypes. This research is a contribution to the field of design theory and methodology by adding new knowledge about prototypes from companies. Prototyping is an essential part of product development, and yet it is one of the least formally explored areas of design. The significance of this work lies in its ability to gain insights into the role of prototyping in the natural work environment, which has not been holistically documented. By using diverse industries, we will build and test our framework across them all to ensure validity.


Author(s):  
Anders V. Warell

Abstract In this paper it is argued that methods are needed for the design of a larger variety of product aspects than is feasible with mechanical engineering design methodology of today. Design methods found within the European schools of design are inadequate for the design of products other than machine systems of transforming character. The reason for this is that the underlying theories only describe the nature of ‘operand-transforming’ technical systems, and that the description of the process and function systems are too narrowly defined to be useful for the design of ‘non-transforming’ products, or for products where the human is involved as an active user. The paper takes as the standpoint that the functional language, in accordance with established foundation in engineering design theory, is a successful means to treat usability aspects of human-product systems. An extended process modeling view based on product life-phase thinking including a ‘use-process’ is presented, focusing the attention towards the use, and not merely the workings, of the product. Also, extended definitions of a number of concepts are proposed, and function-classes of the human-product system, leading to a more generally applicable use of functions as a modeling tool when describing products, is introduced. The proposed functional language is illustrated in a product case example.


Author(s):  
Tomasz Arciszewski

Abstract The paper provides a brief review of general tendencies and interesting developments in the area of engineering design theory and methodology in Eastern Europe. This review is limited to East Germany, Poland, and the Soviet Union. Particular attention was given to the design research environments in individual countries, and to developed design theories and methods in the context of these environments.


Author(s):  
M. S. Hundal

Abstract Current research in design methods in the Federal Republic of Germany is reviewed. VDI guideline 2221 is discussed. The paper looks at basic research in design theory and methodology, application of the methodology to computer-aided conceptual and embodiment design, development of intelligent CAD systems, use of expert systems in CAD, and understanding thought processes in designing. References to the publications of the past three years are given.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-42
Author(s):  
Aoran Peng ◽  
Jessica Menold ◽  
Scarlett Miller

Abstract There has been a plethora of design theory and methodology research conducted to answer important questions centered around how ideas are developed and translated into successful products. Understanding this is vital because of the role creativity and innovation have in long-term economic success. However, most of this research have focused on U.S. samples, leaving to question if differences exist across cultural borders. Answering this question is key to supporting a successful global economy. The current work provides a first step at answering this question by examining similarities and differences in concept generation and screening practices between students in an emerging market, Morocco, and those in a more established market, the U.S during a design thinking workshop. Our results show that while students in the U.S. sample produced more ideas than the Moroccan sample, there was no difference in the perceived quality of ideas generated (idea goodness). In addition, while U.S. women were found to produce more ideas than U.S. men, there were no gender effects for students in the Moroccan sample. Finally, the results show that ideas with low goodness had a higher probability of passing concept screening if it was evaluated by its owner regardless of the population studied – identifying the potential impact of ownership bias across cultures. As a whole, these results suggest that key aspects of design theory and methodology research may in fact translate across cultures but also identified key areas for further investigation.


Author(s):  
Tamotsu Murakami ◽  
Tomoyuki Koyanagi

In the present competitive business environment, designers and engineers need to come up with creative, innovative and valuable design ideas. In engineering design, the function (F), behavior (B) and structure (S) of a product are discussed using design theory and methodology. On the other hand, the concept of user experience (UX) is becoming important in product design. In this paper, we first discuss the relationship among F, B, S, UX and the value of a product. Then we propose a delta design map as a framework for a systematic method and computational tool for design ideation support. A delta design map does not describe F, B, S and UX for design examples but describes their differences (delta) between design examples. This approach makes the descriptions efficient and gives clear criteria on what needs to be described and what need not be described. By preparing a delta design map, we can systematically and exhaustively analyze the potential similarity among all design examples from the viewpoint of F, B, S and UX and obtain triggers for ideation. The results of a simple trial of the proposed method are presented and discussed in this paper.


1989 ◽  
pp. 338-338
Author(s):  
John R. Dixon

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 947-956 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Kerpen ◽  
J. Conrad ◽  
D. Wallach

AbstractWe propose to combine Collaborative User Experience Design (CUXD) projects with the integrated product and process modelling theory CPM/PDD to formalise the CUXD process model. CPM/PDD is discussed as a Design Theory and Methodology (DTM) to describe a product as well as the product development process based on a clear distinction of characteristics and properties. CUXD is presented as a cross-disciplinary, human-centred development model. It focuses on team collaboration, relates to concepts of Design Thinking, Agile Development as well as Lean UX and it highlights user experience metrics.


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