TY - JOUR
T1 - Implementing shared function modelling in practice
T2 - Experiences in six companies developing mechatronic products and PSS
AU - Eisenbart, Boris
AU - Kleinsmann, Maaike
PY - 2017
Y1 - 2017
N2 - Function modelling is proposed in textbooks to support solution finding early in a development process. Although it has great potential to support the comprehensiveness and systematisation of conceptual design, it has been taken up in design practice only to a limited extent. Based on a literature review, potential barriers hampering its widespread application are discussed. A central problem revolves around the abstract nature of function modelling, which makes it difficult to apprehend the concrete benefits from its implementation. The article contributes to related research by showcasing success stories in the implementation of function modelling in six companies. The implemented models include morphological charts, use case modelling and two approaches developed in-house. The paper presents an interview study with managers and design leaders investigating the motivations and reasons leading up to the decision to newly implement function modelling in the companies. Furthermore, the paper explores the interviewees’ reflections on experiences gained while (gradually) implementing function models, the specific advantages attained, and also the challenges faced in doing so. The findings show that shared function modelling has great potential to support interdisciplinary collaboration and comprehension and to lead to a significant increase in the efficiency of the design process.
AB - Function modelling is proposed in textbooks to support solution finding early in a development process. Although it has great potential to support the comprehensiveness and systematisation of conceptual design, it has been taken up in design practice only to a limited extent. Based on a literature review, potential barriers hampering its widespread application are discussed. A central problem revolves around the abstract nature of function modelling, which makes it difficult to apprehend the concrete benefits from its implementation. The article contributes to related research by showcasing success stories in the implementation of function modelling in six companies. The implemented models include morphological charts, use case modelling and two approaches developed in-house. The paper presents an interview study with managers and design leaders investigating the motivations and reasons leading up to the decision to newly implement function modelling in the companies. Furthermore, the paper explores the interviewees’ reflections on experiences gained while (gradually) implementing function models, the specific advantages attained, and also the challenges faced in doing so. The findings show that shared function modelling has great potential to support interdisciplinary collaboration and comprehension and to lead to a significant increase in the efficiency of the design process.
KW - Functional modelling
KW - interdisciplinary design
KW - mechatronics
KW - method introduction
KW - product-service systems
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85033437283&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/09544828.2017.1395395
DO - 10.1080/09544828.2017.1395395
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85033437283
VL - 28
SP - 765
EP - 798
JO - Journal of Engineering Design
JF - Journal of Engineering Design
SN - 0954-4828
IS - 10-12
ER -