Integration of Extenics and Axiomatic Design theory

Abstract

Efforts are made to improve the design process of Axiomatic Design (AD) in this paper. Rooted in logic and rational thought, AD provides systemic tools that helps facilitate design process. However, the mapping process and operability of AD remain to be clearly defined. The research on AD theory shows that AD lacked the description of elements in domains and the specific method during mapping process, which could lead to confusions of the designers. To remedy the issue, the Extenics theory is integrated with AD to provide improved guidance for design activity. The integration of the two theories are established in the form of mathematical expression and flow chart. Examples are presented to illustrate the integration of the two theories. The resulted mapping of the decomposition process is shown to be properly guided.