Design Decision-making Process Research Articles

Towards the formalization of non-functional requirements in conceptual design

This paper explores the formal roles of non-functional requirements’ (NFR) elicitation, definition, and verification in the early stages of an engineering design project. This is performed using a case study conducted at an automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) during the design and development of a rear bumper sub-system. The purpose of this exploration is to determine if NFRs should be formalized within requirements modeling scheme. This can capture conceptual design information to identify their impact on other requirements while conducting design changes. The modeling scheme in this paper consists of a sequence of following domains—requirements, functions, working principle, components, design parameters, test measures, and tests—that are mapped to each other using matrices. It is revealed through this case study that non-functional requirements drive much of the design decision-making process and constrain the manner in which the product functionality is realized. Hence, the inclusion of NFRs as a separate and distinct domain in the design process is critical to recognize their significance during design changes. Based on the observations made in the case study, the NFR domain is included in the requirements modeling scheme.

A multi-objective optimization approach for climate-adaptive building envelope design using parametric behavior maps

This research presents a multi-objective optimization (MOO) framework to support the climate-adaptive building envelope (CABE) design decisionmaking process using a parametric behavior map (PBM). Unlike static shading, CABE systems include dynamic operations that significantly affect their performance; thus, well-informed strategies for scheduling dynamic operations should be integrated to analyze CABE performance. In this study, two conflicting objectives were pursued: minimizing cooling load and maximizing daylighting performance during the summer season in a hot and humid climate (Houston, Texas). Variables in the CABE performance optimization process were defined as dynamic operation schedules having either parametric linear or non-linear relationships between the degree of openness of the CABE model and certain weather stimuli (i.e., solar radiation). Two CABE models were tested with the PBM by integrating a parametric non-linear function that efficiently conducted the optimization process in a large search space. The outcomes of this optimization study included Pareto-front solutions such as optimal CABE performance and their dynamic operation scenarios. These optimal operation scenarios were determined based on the CABE design options available and user's desired objectives; in some cases, static scenarios were found to be superior. Ultimately, combining PBM with a MOO framework will contribute to the field of performance-based CABE design by supporting architects and engineers and facilitating better decisions through well-informed dynamic operation scenarios.

Integrated Process Design and Operational Optimization via Multiparametric Programming

Abstract This book presents a comprehensive optimization-based theory and framework that exploits the synergistic interactions and tradeoffs between process design and operational decisions that sp...

Conceptual Scheme Decision Model for Mechatronic Products Driven by Risk of Function Failure Propagation

Reliability is a major performance index in the electromechanical product conceptual design decision process. As the function is the purpose of product design, the risk of scheme design is easy to be caused when there is a failure (i.e., function failure). However, existing reliability analysis models focus on the failure analysis of functions but ignore the quantitative risk assessment of conceptual schemes when function failures occur. In addition, design information with subjectivity and fuzziness is difficult to introduce the risk index into the early design stage for comprehensive decisions. To fill this gap, this paper proposes a conceptual scheme decision model for mechatronic products driven by the risk of function failure propagation. Firstly, the function structure model is used to construct the function fault propagation model, so as to obtain the influence degree of the subfunction failure. Secondly, the principle solution weight is calculated when the function failure is propagated, and the influence degree of the failure mode is integrated to obtain the severity of the failure mode on the product system. Thirdly, the risk value of failure mode is calculated by multiplying the severity and failure probability of failure mode, and the risk value of the scheme is obtained based on the influence relationship between failure modes. Finally, the VIKOR (Višekriterijumska Optimizacija i kompromisno Rešenje) method is used to make the optimal decision for the conceptual scheme, and then take the cutting speed regulating device scheme of shearer as an example to verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed decision model.

Integrated process design, scheduling, and model predictive control of batch processes with closed‐loop implementation

AbstractSimultaneous evaluation of multiple time scale decisions has been regarded as a promising avenue to increase the process efficiency and profitability through leveraging their synergistic interactions. Feasibility of such an integral approach is essential to establish a guarantee for operability of the derived decisions. In this study, we present a modeling methodology to integrate process design, scheduling, and advanced control decisions with a single mixed‐integer dynamic optimization (MIDO) formulation while providing certificates of operability for the closed‐loop implementation. We use multi‐parametric programming to derive explicit expressions for the model predictive control strategy, which is embedded into the MIDO using the base‐2 numeral system that enhances the computational tractability of the integrated problem by exponentially reducing the required number of binary variables. Moreover, we apply the State Equipment Network representation within the MIDO to systematically evaluate the scheduling decisions. The proposed framework is illustrated with two batch processes with different complexities.

Towards data-driven culture in a Spanish automobile manufacturer: A case study

Purpose: Data-driven decision-making is a growing trend that lots of companies are nowadays willing to adopt. However, the organizational transformation needed is not always as simple and logical as it could seem and the comfort of the old habits can dim the change effort. The purpose of this study is to identify the potential problems that may arise in a real company’s transformation from a traditional intuition-driven decision-making model to a data-driven model. Design/methodology/approach: In order to reach this goal, a single case study method was used. Initially a literature review was conducted to analyze both the importance of the change to a data-driven culture and the process of organizational change. Thus, a case study method was adopted in a company of the automotive sector that included experimentation in the website design decision-making process. Findings: As a result of the case study, it was found that all the most cited risks for the organizational change process commented in the literature appeared in the project. However, even being warned of potential dangers the specific actions to prevent the damages were not trivial.Originality/value: The study presents in detail, the application of an organizational change model in a company. Important insights can be extracted from the specific case of a digitalization performed inside traditional industrial company.

Hiring discrimination against transgender job applicants – considerations when designing a study

PurposeThis paper discusses the factors to consider when designing studies to measure hiring discrimination against transgender job applicants.Design/methodology/approachThe paper builds on academic literature related to hiring discrimination and transgender employment to build a detailed discussion of the numerous factors and issues inherent in hiring discrimination against transgender job applicants. By isolating and describing a number of relevant considerations, the paper aims to act as a guide for future studies to build upon.FindingsThree types of hiring discrimination studies are discussed: correspondence tests, in-person experiments and student cohort experiments. Three main categories of factors relevant to an experiment’s design are then discussed: the legal context, industry/role factors and transgender population-specific factors. A flow-chart detailing the research design decision-making process is provided.Research limitations/implicationsThe discussion within this paper will act as a reference and a guide for researchers seeking to address the dearth of empirical studies in the literature. The list is not exhaustive; while a number of factors relevant to transgender-specific studies are identified, there may be more that could affect an experiment's design.Originality/valueHiring discrimination against transgender people has been recorded in many surveys, but there is little empirical measurement of this discrimination. To the author's knowledge, this paper is the first to examine the experimental design decisions related to transgender hiring discrimination. In doing so, it provides contributions for two primary audiences: those researching transgender employment issues but who have never conducted a study measuring hiring discrimination; and those who have previously conducted studies on hiring discrimination, but have not done so with reference to transgender job applicants.

BIM And GIS Data Integration: A Novel Approach Of Technical/Environmental Decision-Making Process In Transport Infrastructure Design

The European Directive 2014/24/EU and its recent Italian transposition law DM 560/2017 encourage an extensive use of BIM-based practices in transport infrastructure design. Therefore, a shift from the traditional design approach towards a shared and highly integrated model, capable of including the various design phases along with economic, operational and environmental concerns, is observed. In such a framework, this work evaluates the benefits returning from the integration between geospatially-referenced data and the BIM models for a more aware design approach.The major aim of this study is to underline the potential of an interoperable and shared model supplemented by GIS data, in minimizing or definitely removing the possible conflicts that typically arise between the infrastructure design and environmental constraints.Particularly, thanks to both the simultaneous assessment of each environmental component and the evaluation of the different project configurations, this methodology can provide an integrated technical/environmental overview of the design.As a result, it allows for immediately verifying the project to comply with the national minimum environmental criteria, which are mandatory for contractors according to the Italian environmental law n° 221/2015 and the new Italian Public Procurement Code.The proposed approach was finally tested on an airport infrastructure. Preliminary results have shown viability of the data management model for supporting designer’s choices in the various project phases, thereby proving this methodology to be worthy for implementation in infrastructure design procedures.

Research on UX Evaluation Model of Computer Input Devices (Keyboard and Mouse) Based on AHP

With the rapid development of the Internet, there are more and more computer input devices for different usage scenarios, and a lot of factors need to be considered comprehensively when users select computer input devices. At present, there are still some problems need to be solved in this field: how to evaluate the user experience of computer input devices in order to give reasonable suggestions to consumers when making purchasing decisions; how can design and development personnel find the shortcomings of design solutions in the design decision process? Aiming at the above problems, a user experience evaluation system for computer input devices is proposed.Firstly, based on the user experience 5E model proposed by Whitney Quesenbury, the user experience evaluation system of computer input device was constructed by using the questionnaire method, interview method, and expert opinion method. Then, the user experience evaluation model of computer input device was constructed by AHP.This paper takes computer input equipment as the research object and studies the user experience evaluation method of computer input device through the combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods. Established a more scientific user experience evaluation system to guide the design and development personnel in the design decision process. And provides reasonable suggestions for consumers to purchase and has certain reference value in the field of user experience evaluation research.

Politics by design

Unprecedented rapid urbanization, accompanied by growing urban informality, have positioned housing delivery at the frontline of national political agendas in the Global South. This paper analyzes the housing redevelopment of the Joe Slovo informal settlement in Cape Town, South Africa (2004 to present) to shed light on the role of architecture and urban design in democracy building and city production. As an alternative framework to the ideas of ‘normalization’ and ‘resistance’, this case offers insights into the importance of situating spatialized political tensions and conflict at the heart of the analysis of city production. The Joe Slovo redevelopment initially deployed an inclusionary welfare-state policy that resulted in exclusionary housing design practices, causing political contestation among the residents of the informal settlement. The community materialized their struggle for housing and urban rights in creative examples of ‘design from below’. These practices not only re-defined the spatial control over Joe Slovo’s territory, but also, by the production of alternative urban space, they challenged institutional spaces, re-defining who plays what role in housing delivery. The findings reveal multidirectional design politics between governments and communities that occur when the state loses control over design decision-making processes. The community’s right to not be displaced to distant locations was guaranteed by reducing the state’s implementation and delivery capacity, exposing the challenges of city co-production and inviting us to rethink who has the right to design, code and imagine our cities. This case opens a window into understanding design as a political device of urban governance.

The influence of multimedia development knowledge and workplace pressures on the design decisions of the instructional designer

This study explored the interaction of multimedia production competencies of expert and novice instructional designers on the design decisions made during the instructional design process/workflow. This multiple measures study used qualitative survey instruments to access and measure the production competencies of participants, then a design aloud protocol to capture and measure the instructional design decision-making process for those same participants. A follow-on interview after the initial design aloud session was conducted in order to triangulate and confirm any trends or findings uncovered during the earlier design aloud session. Ultimately, the objective of this study was to provide some evidence that suggests whether certain production skills are influencing instructional design decision-making. Employer influence on the instructional designer’s decision-making was also explored. Results indicated that a substantial number of instructional designers (n = 30) who participated in this study were selecting media as a preliminary step in their workflow process, and were often then using analysis as a measure to confirm the early media selection. Expert instructional designers appeared to be less susceptible to the early media selection behavior, though not immune. Results indicate that one reason the expert instructional designers were less likely to adopt media as a preliminary instructional design step was that the experts conducted a more diverse set of analysis activities. Additionally, results indicated that instructional designers were often experiencing pressure to adopt media based on employer demands, and project constraints such as budget and time.

Floor finish selection in the design of healthcare facilities: a survey of facility managers

Purpose The purpose of this study is to create a knowledge base for decision-making in healthcare design by seeking, analyzing and discussing the preferences of facility managers of healthcare facilities regarding floor finishes and their selection criteria. The goal is to enable a simplified and holistic selection of floor finishes based on multiple criteria. The authors studied floor finish selection in three healthcare units: emergency, surgery and in-patient units. Design/methodology/approach The authors completed a literature review to identify types of floor finishes currently used in healthcare facilities and the criteria applied for their selection. Using the literature survey results, a questionnaire was designed and administered to healthcare facility managers. The descriptive statistical analysis and the Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used for reporting and analyzing the survey data. Findings The top five floor finishes used in the healthcare sector were identified as vinyl flooring, vinyl composite tile (VCT), rubber, linoleum and ceramic flooring. The top five selection criteria for floor finishes were durability, infection control, ease of maintenance, maintenance cost and user safety. The non-parametric test results show that the floor finish rankings and selection criteria were similar in the three healthcare units under study. Originality/value The most significant contribution of this research is to the design decision-making process of healthcare facilities. These results offer an understanding of what floor finishes are preferred by healthcare facility managers and why. This knowledge is crucial for designers and facility managers to make informed choices and floor finish manufacturers to keep their product line relevant to the industry.

Planning of sport and recreational facilities informed by interdisciplinary knowledge

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a design strategy that investigates the systematic use of interdisciplinary knowledge through a transparent decision-making process. The study identifies relevant design parameters that should be considered in the development of this design strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical data were collected through observations of the design process of two new sport facilities, meetings with sport, well-being and aging experts and through semi-structured interviews with end-users. The development of the proposed design strategy is based on a methodology with elements from “Knowledge to Action (KTA),” “Action research” and a “List of value concepts.” The rigid timetable guaranteed systematic progress, where both knowledge from the end-users and experts were incorporated throughout the decision-making process.FindingsThe two case studies documented results involving end-users and experts in a systematic way. In conclusion, it was apparent that the use of interdisciplinary collaboration informed the design outcome.Practical implicationsBased on the two cases, the following advice can be given to the architectural profession: architects should use the KTA model or similar in order to target the search for relevant interdisciplinary knowledge and ensure that relevant evidence is involved in the design process of upcoming projects regarding sport and recreation. Architects should make the design process transparent so that one can see which design decisions have been made through the design process. This must be done to ensure that there is greater coherence between vision and practice.Originality/valueThe study showed how architects could import knowledge, skills and values from other disciplines such as environmental psychology and active living research to improve the decision-making process of future sport and recreation projects. It was also clear that this design decision process could be made more transparent in the effort to allow the various stakeholders to take ownership of the resulting design outcomes.

Floor finish selection in health-care facilities: a systematic literature review

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify, analyze and discuss floor finishes used in health-care facilities and their selection criteria in the form of advantages and disadvantages. The authors also identify the top three health-care floor finishes and selection criteria based on the literature review results. Although flooring materials have a considerable impact on the life-cycle cost and indoor environment of health-care facilities, what criteria may be used for such flooring choices is not thoroughly studied.Design/methodology/approachThe authors performed a systematic review of the literature on certain flooring systems currently used in health-care facilities and the criteria applied for their selection. Peer-reviewed studies and articles published after Year 2000 consistent with the research design were included.FindingsSixteen different selection criteria that influence the choice of floor finishes in health-care facilities were determined and discussed. The results show that the top three-floor finish materials preferred in health-care facilities are sheet vinyl, rubber and carpet, and the top three selection criteria for floor finishes are indoor air quality, patient safety and infection control.Originality/valueThe results of this study will assist building owners, architects and interior designers with implementing an informed design decision-making process, particularly in relation to floor finish selection. The findings will also provide guidance to floor finish manufacturers to improve their products based on facility managers’ preferences.

Development and Implementation of a Quality Control Strategy for an Atropisomer Impurity Grounded in a Risk-Based Probabilistic Design Space

In the development process of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), determination of the design space used for control of critical quality attributes (CQAs) is a key component of the quality by design (QbD) framework outlined by the regulatory agencies. Herein, we propose the use of probabilistic (Bayesian) methods to drive the development of the design space and control strategy for a process. Using probabilistic methods to quantify the risk of failure for different processing options allows for informed process design and control strategy decisions, enabling robust processes. We present a case study of a complex API reaction and crystallization: first, probabilistic models are built using lab and plant data. Next, these models are used to compare different processing options in the context of reliability pertaining to a critical quality attribute (CQA). A process decision is outlined based on the reliability estimates from the models, and last, a control strategy is proposed for the CQA for a defin...

Impact of risk attitudes on the concurrent design of supply chains and product architectures

Risk attitudes may drive the design decision-making process and lead to different solutions. A goal programming model is presented for concurrently designing the supply chain and product architecture. The model analyzes the impacts of the risk attitude on product architecture and supply chain design. Three risk perspectives are studied. Risk-seeking attitude prioritizes cost minimization, risk-averse attitude prioritizes risk exposure minimization, and risk-neutral attitude prioritizes both objectives. A case study is presented to demonstrate the applicability of the model. Research findings highlight the importance of considering the decision maker’s risk attitude in the concurrent design of products and their supply chains.

Using Decision Analysis to Provide Integrated, Transparent Trade‐off Analysis

ABSTRACTClients often ask systems engineers to communicate the complexities of their studies or to review/understand someone else's study. Exploring, evaluating, and communicating the tradespace is difficult to do, especially when reviewing others’ work, due to the lack of knowledge of the tradespace, number and types of models, the complexities of the analysis, and the adequacy of the documentation. Additionally, it is challenging to identify and demonstrate important trade‐offs found throughout the design decision process. This demonstrates a need to understand the complexities of the analysis, be able to visualize their relationships, and then be able to communicate it to others in a simplified manner that technical and non‐technical stakeholders can understand. This article describes: (1) how system engineering requires descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics in early system design, (2) a framework for an integrated trade‐off analytics approach that incorporates the various analytics categories with model‐based engineering and model‐based system engineering, and (3) a decision analysis tool called the trade‐off analytics hierarchy that transparently identifies and communicates the complexities of an analysis to stakeholders.

Subtractive digital fabrication with actual robot and virtual material using a MARI platform

This article presents a project-based research study using a new hybrid augmented reality platform called the Mixed Architectural Robotic Interface. Using the Mixed Architectural Robotic Interface as a mixture of different software and hardware platforms, ranging from design/modeling software, simulation engine, and an augmented reality application, the designer would be able to evaluate the possibilities/limitations of the fabrication, in real time and as part of the design. This method advances designer’s understanding of the fabrication equipment as an input for the design decision-making process. This article demonstrates the potential of a virtual/actual hybridized platform as a new medium to design, simulate, and evaluate, in order to enhance the digital design and fabrication. Introducing the possibility of real-time communication between the digital design software and the fabrication platforms as well as the augmented reality simulation of the fabrication process, the Mixed Architectural Robotic Interface enables designers to test the fabrication process with the fabrication equipment in the early stages of the design process. This method makes it possible to move beyond the traditional limitations of machines pursuing “un-expected creativity,” without any additional time or cost for the process. Using the virtual material for fabrication, the Mixed Architectural Robotic Interface reduces the time and cost of having multiple iterations and encourages the hands-on experimental use of the fabrication tool (in this article robotic/computer numeric control milling) not only as a production tool but also as a design study tool.

Enhancing cultural aspirations in urban design: the gradual transformation by Indigenous innovation

In the paper, we address the need to make visible the presence of Indigenous groups in the built environment that has developed on their traditional territories. We examine two recent approaches that have been used in Aotearoa New Zealand to manifest Indigenous histories and values in the city of Ōtautahi|Christchurch. The first involves the Indigenous group acting as urban developer. The second exemplifies Indigenous integration into local urban design decision-making processes. The result of both approaches is a significant urban transformation whereby Indigenous cultural aspirations are given voice in the city.

Ontology-Based Representation of Meta-Design in Designing Decision Workflows

Utilizing the enterprise capital related the knowledge of design processes has become crucial to improve enterprise agility and respond to shifts or changes in markets. The complexity and uncertainty of design raise the challenge of capturing tacit knowledge and the ability to aid in designing design processes. In this paper, ontology is proposed for capturing, representing, and documenting the knowledge related to hierarchical decision workflows in the meta-design of complex engineered systems. The ontology is developed in the context of decision support problem technique (DSPT), considering the requirements being able to guide assistance in designing design workflows, and integrating problem, product, and process information in a design decision-making process. Then, the approach for building procedure of process templates is presented to facilitate the reuse of the populated template instances in future design. Finally, the meta-design of the heat exchanger in a small thermal system is presented as an example to illustrate the effectiveness of this approach.