Functional Analysis in a Nutshell

摘要

Functional analysis defines functions using noun-verb phrases that indicate the action that is being taken on an object. The classic example is the analysis of a pencil's functions. Functions are identified according to their dependencies, where primary functions deliver value in their output to customers, and secondary functions support the performance of primary functions. A primary function of a pencil, for example, is to make marks,while a secondary function is to support lead.The method proposed by Lawrence D. Miles for decomposing a product into its functional components is the functional analysis system technique (FAST), which provides a multidimensional view of the product from either a marketing perspective (customer-oriented features) or a technical perspective (engineering design functions). (An example of a FAST diagram is shown in Sidebar Figure 1.)