Functional Representation: Creating a Framework for Design Support

Paper in proceeding, 2001

This paper discuss functional representation in general, such as classification of concepts, benefits etc., and functional modelling both static, and dynamic characteristics in particular. It will show how functions takes a product view on design intent; whether being an active function referring to the action of the product (dynamic), passive functions referring to the realisation of the product (static ? non-transforming) or esteem/interactive functions (Akiyama, 1991; Warell 1999) referring to functions intended to give sensory satisfaction to product users. The concept of purpose is introduced to clarify the reason for the product; purpose being the design intention from a socio-technical view (Rosenman et. al., 1998), or from a relational view, such as manufacturing, assembly, service etc. This paper shows how the intended behaviour is linked from purpose, function and physical perspective, using state-transition diagrams to capture the external state transitions (effect attributes) and function structures to capture the internal state transitions (structural attributes), where each function structure represent a transition between external states. This approach simplifies the way of representing complex systems in a functional manner by separating the internal and external representation of state attributes.