Designer-centric and function-oriented development framework for complex industrial products

Procedia CIRP, vol. 128, pp. 345–350

Abstract

Derived from the RFLP method (requirements, functions, logic, product) of model-based systems engineering, a function-oriented development approach can enable a universal, data and model-driven knowledge management system for complex product development, facilitate cross-disciplinary development, and support innovation. While function-orientation has been investigated from a technological standpoint, the successful implementation of such a concept is also dependent on human factors, which have not yet been sufficiently explored. This study aims to understand the needs of the designers for the implementation of the function-oriented development framework. Using a human-centred design approach, a study was conducted where the current version of the function-oriented framework was tested with potential users from the automotive industry. The basics of the framework were implemented in a prototype to immerse the subjects in the workflow. The subjects developed a fictitious product subsystem on the prototype using the framework. The results of the study illustrate the potential benefits, challenges, and implementation ideas for the framework from the designer perspective. The valuable insights from this industrial study can be used to develop a designer-centric function-oriented development framework and derive introduction and implementation strategies for large organizations.

Authors 3

1. Ekin Uhri corresponding Aachen Chair of Intelligence in Quality Sensing (WZL

   RWTH Aachen University · BMW (Germany) · BMW Group (Germany)

   Affiliation as printed

   BMW Group, Department of Total Vehicle Development, Petuelring 130, 80788, Munich, Germany

   Chair of Intelligence in Quality Sensing (WZL | IQS), RWTH Aachen University, Campus-Boulevard 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany

2. Christoph Matz

   BMW (Germany) · BMW Group (Germany)

   Affiliation as printed

   BMW Group, Department of Total Vehicle Development, Petuelring 130, 80788, Munich, Germany

3. Ingrid Isenhardt Aachen Chair of Intelligence in Quality Sensing (WZL

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Chair of Intelligence in Quality Sensing (WZL | IQS), RWTH Aachen University, Campus-Boulevard 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany