DIMENSIONS OF OBJECTIVES IN INTERDISCIPLINARY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

DS 68-2: Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED 11), Impacting Society through Engineering Design, Vol. 2: Design Theory and Research Methodology, Lyngby/Copenhagen, Denmark, 15.-19.08.2011

Year: 2011
Editor: Culley, S.J.; Hicks, B.J.; McAloone, T.C.; Howard, T.J. & Reich, Y.
Author: Albers, Albert; Lohmeyer, Quentin; Ebel, Bjoern
Series: ICED
Section: Design Theory and Research Methodology
Page(s): 256-265

Abstract

Interdisciplinary product development is a complex and uncertainty-affected system and objectives are central elements of it. In consequence the handling of these objectives, characterized by a high connectivity and dynamic, demands for a multi-dimensional view on objectives. This paper examines the nature of objectives and generates a conceptualization of four generalized dimensions of objectives: degree of maturity, degree of rigidity, leverage and impact. Based on these dimensions the approach of objective dimension matrices (ODM) is deduced. ODM considers product development as a socio technical system and therefore enables a systematic handling of objectives in order to understand their role in interdisciplinary product development projects. The capability of ODM is demonstrated by its application within the development of a new humanoid robot.

Keywords: OBJECTIVES; OBJECTIVE DIMENSION MATRICES; INTERDISCIPLINARY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

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