Knowledge-level model for concurrent design

摘要

This paper describes the development and validation of a knowledge-level model of concurrent design. Concurrent design is characterised by the extent to which multidisciplinary perspectives influence all stages of the product design process. This design philosophy is being increasingly used in industry to reduce costs and improve product quality. We propose an essentially rational model for concurrent design and report on our validation of the model through studies with designers. We outline some of the limitations of current computational techniques needed to support negotiation in the design cycle and consider some of the implications of this for the development of systems to support concurrent design.