A variant approach to product definition by recognizing functional requirement patterns

Product definition has been recognized as one of the deciding factors in designing a product for success in the market-place. This paper introduces an approach to product definition by evolving from similar existing products. Our methodology is derived from recognizing functional requirement (FR) patterns from past design efforts including FR topology, FR classification and FR templates. A two-phase methodology of FR pattern recognition and pattern adoption is presented in the paper. The proposed approach not only eases the tedious elaboration process of requirement definition among customers, marketers and designers, but also reduces the complexities and risks inherent in requirement specification. Furthermore, it opens opportunities for incorporating expert heuristics into FR patterns based on competitive products and technological trends. A case study conducted in power supply design helps to illustrate the feasibility and potential of the proposed approach.