Development of a design performance measurement matrix for improving collaborative design during a design process

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate how to measure collaborative design performance and, in turn, improve the final design output during a design process, with a clear objective to develop a design performance measurement (DPM) matrix to measure design project team members’ design collaboration performances. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology adopted in this research uses critical literature reviews, in-depth focus group interviews and a questionnaire survey. Findings – The main finding of this study is a DPM matrix that addresses five DPM indicators: efficiency, effectiveness, collaboration, management skill, and innovation, and 25 detailed DPM criteria. It was found that decision-making efficiency is the most important DPM criterion for collaborative design efficiency; plus delivering to the brief for effectiveness; clear team goal/objectives for collaboration; decision-making ability for management skill; and competitive advantage for innovation. Research limitations/implications – As the present study was focused on exploring DPM during a design process, some key DPM criteria which are not measurable during a design development process were not included in this study. The proposed multi-feedback approach for DPM matrix implementation needs to be validated in future research. Practical implications – The DPM matrix can be applied to support a design manager in measuring and improving collaborative design performance during a design process, by reviewing and modifying collaborative design development, identifying the design team strengths and weaknesses, improving team communication, and suggesting suitable responsive actions. Originality/value – The major contribution of this study is the investigation and development of a DPM matrix to measure collaborative design performance during a design process.