Balancing Properties while Synthesising a Product Concept – A Method Highlighting Synergies

Paper in proceeding, 2005

The paper presents a systematic design method allowing use of vague information available in the early concept stages. The method constitutes decision support in cross-functional work, and focuses attention on synergies between sub-solutions in order to facilitate overall performance and performance/cost ratio. The method does not guarantee the ultimate concept, since all possible combinations are not studied, and factors not included in the method may affect the overall performance, but it produces an effective concept solution using minimal resources. The team members involved in the industrial application are of the opinion that the method encourages creativity, provides essential support for consideration of overall product solutions and property balance, and supports cross-functional co-operation.