In this paper we propose a model of how to carry out functional reasoning. The model is based on the domain theory, and it links the stepwise determination of the artefact's characteristics during the design process to different ways of carrying out functional reasoning found in the literature. The model proposes of a set of the mental objects and a number of ways to carry out functional reasoning available to the engineering designer. The result of the research presented in this paper is the building of a hypothesis - in the form of a model - with explanatory power.
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