The simulated design process

B. D. O'Donovan, P. J. Clarkson, C. M. Eckert

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The Signposting modelling framework provides the opportunity for companies to build models of their design processes that incorporate the inherent unpredictability of outcomes. While the modelling exercise itself provides insight, the greatest value comes from the analysis of the combined effects of the uncertainty in all of the individual activities in the process. This paper presents the architecture of a prototype simulation tool, designed to analyse the most recent generation of Signposting models, incorporating concurrency and resourcing effects. The tool can help increase the designers' and managers' understanding of design process issues, both before and during a project. The key heuristics concerning task selection and the evaluation of the consequences of task outcomes are presented. The simulation may be used in both the evaluation of a proposed process, and also in the optimisation of the process to reduce cost or time. Output from the simulation takes the form of a comprehensive log file, in order to facilitate post-processing to answer the specific questions of a particular audience, but a number of standard data visualisations have been developed to give access to key information quickly.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of ICED 03, the 14th International Conference on Engineering Design
EditorsAnders Folkeson, Margareta Norell, Ulf Sellgren, Klas Gralen
PublisherDesign Society
ISBN (Electronic)1904670008
Publication statusPublished - 2003
Externally publishedYes
Event14th International Conference on Engineering Design, ICED 2003 - Stockholm, Sweden
Duration: 19 Aug 200321 Aug 2003

Publication series

NameProceedings of the International Conference on Engineering Design, ICED
VolumeDS 31
ISSN (Print)2220-4334
ISSN (Electronic)2220-4342

Conference

Conference14th International Conference on Engineering Design, ICED 2003
Country/TerritorySweden
CityStockholm
Period19/08/0321/08/03

Keywords

  • Design management
  • Planning and workflow methodology
  • Risk analysis

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