Computer modelling of design specifications

Authors:
  • PSPeter Schachinger
    Peter Schachinger
  • HJHans L. Johannesson
    Hans L. Johannesson
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Abstract
This paper presents a new object-oriented generic model that, together with a new method, supports specification of product needs and mapping of influencing surrounding factors. The goal of the method is that individuals involved shall be able to handle and view more information related to concept selection and thereby be able to make more accurate decisions. A direct link to downstream product testing and the possibility to highlight conflicting criteria at an early stage is also desirable. The model is applicable both for new design and re-design tasks. It has, however, so far only been tested in re-design of an existing product, and it has been developed while collecting information about that particular problem. Specification handling of today often results in large and 'hard-to-grasp' quantities of paper documents. The research goal in this work has been to create a specification model for the future, which will be handled by computer tools and provides relevant information to the right user at the right time. Its has been implemented using the commercial METIS Software (NCR Metis, 1995).