Abstract
Mechanical design is the process of defining a mechanical system for a specific behavior. To support mechanical engineers in their tasks, research in studies on the design process is important. Currently there is a lack of meso-level studies on iterations in mechanical design research. We propose a documentation method for such studies. Target of the method is enable identification of iterations in mechanical design processes. Iterations occur regularly in design processes and can have an impact on project cost and quality. Therefore, they can be used to identify methodical need. We apply the method in three mechanical design projects and show its suitability for mechanical design process research.
Highlights
Allow a study with several participants working at the same time, allow observation over a realistic duration of several months, applicable independent of the design project, allow identification of iterations, record information about specific activities as well as the overall process, allow qualitative as well as quantitative data evaluation
In the present design process research, there is a lack of meso-level studies
We present a research method for data acquisition in mechanical design projects on a meso-level to analyze the effect of individual actions on the design process
Summary
Allow a study with several participants working at the same time, allow observation over a realistic duration of several months, applicable independent of the design project, allow identification of iterations, record information about specific activities as well as the overall process, allow qualitative as well as quantitative data evaluation. Jin and Chusilp [8] conduct a study on mental iterations in design They use the think-aloud method to record the activities of the participants. Piccolo et al [9] conduct research on the role of iterations in large-scale design projects They collect and analyze documents created during design of a biomass power plant. The researchers record the activities of a design team through observation, interviews, document collection, diary sheets and questionnaires. Through this combination of direct and indirect data acquisition, they were able to record the full design process. We use a swim-lane diagram with flow-chart symbols for process visualization and a diary sheet for further information on the activities
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