Engineering Design: A Systematic Approach
Next is a model from “Engineering Design” A systematic approach, Third edition by G. Pahl, W. Beitz, J. Feldhusen and K.H. Grote.What I liked about the model at right was its complexity while maintaining its comprehensibility. I like the way it shows the multiple different levels of design and demonstrates the difference between a "One-off product" design compared to a "mass-produced product" since the design for each will be different since the DFx of Manufacturability will be a large one in "mass-produced products". I also like the strong incorporation of models and prototypes. In my experience, the transformation of the idea from your head into tangible, real world products, no matter what fidelity, strongly helps you in better determining the quality of the product.What I dislike about this model is that it never explores the idea of convergence and divergence. There is strong iteration of a design as shown by two different places where the design goes through "Product Improvement".
Reference:
[4] G. Pahl, W. Beitz, J Feldhusen and K.H. Grote, Enginering Design: A Systematic Approach, Third Edition. Heidelberg, Springer-Verlag, 2003
[4] Engineering Design: A Systematic Approach
My problem with this model is that it implies that ONE design is chosen from the beginning of the engineering design process and only that ONE product is ever considered and is iterated upon. This model needs to incorporate an element of "step-back" and to consider if the design that is selected is the correct choice. It is very easy to choose a design at the beginning and stick with it. It is much harder to keep an open mind and realize that there is a better design out there and completely switch to a new design, knowing that the work you have done so far will most likely never be used again.