Abstract

Abstract: Product architectures are complex conceptual structures that affect how design is carried out and the performance of the resulting products. While many researchers have proposed methods for analysing models of product architectures, it is challenging to get a handle on such structures from the design perspective.

In this seminar, David will describe his PhD research on how the design of product architectures may be supported. He will discuss an industry case study that furnished the background for how product architectures are designed in practice; methods for formalising descriptions of spaces of product architectures and generating points within the space; and the software implementation of some of these ideas using the P3 Platform. He will also attempt to cover issues arising from this approach, and how such methods might fit into the wider context of engineering design.

Questions and comments on all aspects of the talk are welcome.