Better use of Design Descriptions to embrace complexity and creativity in Systems Engineering

摘要

Most Systems Engineering practitioners now have access to Computer Aided Systems Engineering (CASE) tools that greatly assist with the engineering of complex problems. However, the productivity of these tools is often offset by the inability to effectively manage the large amounts of data associated with the system models offered by these engineering tools. As well as better CASE tools to improve productivity and success, we must not forget the role of innovation and creativity as a means of progressing solutions to engineering problems. This paper examines the use of the long standing practice of using 'design descriptions' and advocates that we formalize this approach by using Systems Engineering Design Descriptions to manage the engineering complexity and to embrace engineering creativity.