Multiple-domain design scorecards: a method for architecture generation and evaluation through interface characterisation

Abstract

High-tech mechatronic system design, such as that required for tools for oil-well drilling and exploitation, requires that engineers from multiple domains concur on architectural solutions due to a large number of interdependent system performance criteria and design parameters that are shared across architecture interfaces. Supporting designers in envisioning probable challenges in architectures early in design is of utmost importance to ensure project quality while minimising costs and delays. In this paper, we present the multiple-domain design scorecard method to facilitate architecture generation and assessment through architecture interface characterisation as well as to support design process management. We propose to semantically enrich the design structure matrix, domain mapping matrix and quality function deployment representations to capture project data and expertise related to concept generation. In addition, we propose six types of design assessment cards that both support design space exploration and highlight design challenges of potential system architecture. The proposed approach is being implemented and tested in an industry context. A case study in the oil industry brings to the fore some of the advantages and challenges in the implementation process.