A study and critical review of design evaluation methodologies

Abstract

Increased competition and the scarcity of resources has forced recognition of the significant potential of design to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the resulting product, system, or structure. Moreover, the design process itself is undergoing a metamorphosis. Its largely sequential nature is giving way to greater concurrency and to the consideration earlier of downstream issues such as production, operation, and retirement.

A complete engineering design morphology, enhanced by a sound engineering design evaluation methodology, can enable the realization of systems that meet user needs more effectively and efficiently. Isolated groups are researching diverse ways to better integrate design evaluation within the engineering design process. The need is for increased communication between these research groups for mutual benefit.

A representative set of design evaluation methodologies is studied and critically reviewed in this thesis. This work is a step towards increased understanding between the different "schools of thought" and a baseline for further research.