Functionality of Structured Models on Supporting Management of Design Processes: A Two-phase Integrated Framework

Nowadays, the ever-increasing complexity of systems with highly interconnected activities makes it difficult to manage the uncertainty that is inherent to engineering design processes. This leads to the necessity of structured models supporting process modeling. However, what is still missing is a general theoretical model that may potentially be able to provide multi-perspective knowledge on design processes, i.e., the possibility of supporting model interpretation from different aspects. In this paper, we propose an “integrated theoretical framework” with the aim to provide management with detailed knowledge on a given design process. The approach is composed of two phases that are implemented within four steps. First, an “inspiration triangle” of product lifecycle layers, areas of relevant factors with dependencies, and essentiality-effect matrix provides a basis on which an “integrated reference model” can be established. The framework is exemplified for a hypothetical case of an activity-based design process, with a focus on the role of uncertainty on dependencies. Finally, some managerial insights for process modeling are given.