User Process Based Product Architecture

Incorporating concepts and methods for understanding user needs and reflecting them in product development is a critical factor for building competitive advantage in an increasingly complex market and technological environment. In order to effectively respond to this complexity, the concepts of platformbased product development and mass customization have been introduced in some industries. Effective implementation of these methods requires systematic incorporation of the concept of product architecture into the product development process. This paper discusses methods of user knowledge elicitation and introduces the concept of User Process Based Product Architecture, a design tool that supports humancentered approaches to dealing with the complexity of the market and individual user needs. The paper proposes a framework and set of methods for incorporating users’ knowledge, developed in a variety of use contexts, and translating that knowledge into product architecture as a platform for product variation management and mass customization.