“Rugplot” Visualization for Preliminary Design

This paper describes the extension of a multivariate scatter plot for qualitative use. The plot combines effective diagramming practices and modified axis dimensions to cohesively summarize qualitative analysis in the early, unstructured stages of design. The rugplot is a flexible tool that improves understanding of the “hard” limits of the problem, self-imposed “false” constraints, and directions for concept modification and recombination. An example is given with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software that makes the case for the introduction of a new class of tools. Improvements are still needed to streamline data collection and to automate graph generation.