Sacrifice for X: Design Space Mapping

This paper proposes a concept design method, called Sacrifice for X (SfX), which is supposed to be applied in early development situations. In principle, this method is an alternative to brainstorming, but aims for better characteristics in terms of effort for learning the method (i.e., fewer behavioral rules), scaling to multiple teams, team member solution adherence, and tangibility of opportunistic design choices. Considering engineering as finding the right solution in a design space, then SfX is figuratively mapping out the area where the assumed solution lies. Mapping it one aspect at a time, or one aspect per team.If one thinks of Design for X (DfX) as concurrently integrating different aspects into a design, then SfX can be considered as its counterpart where all but one aspect can be excluded. Everything, especially design constraints, can be sacrificed for one aspect X, hence the name “Sacrifice for”. Knowledge, guidelines and toolboxes from DfX are reusable, which makes SfX a good companion method for teams exercising DfX: SfX for design space explorations and DfX for solution realization. Furthermore, the applicability, benefits and caveats of the presented method are discussed.