Detc 2001 / Dfm - 21182 Form Follows Function : Case - Based Learning over Product Evolution

The product design process operates over user needs to develop functional specifications which are further developed into physical forms. Manufacturing information fed into function-based design provides an effective tool for this function to form transformation. Multidisciplinary teams formed across the supply chain are charged with this process for large-scale product development. For small enterprises, however, integrating manufacturing information into the design process is more difficult. We propose a design by analogy approach based on design cases and associated manufacturing and life cycle information as an aid to product design. Reverse engineering of existing products over product generations is proposed as a source for the design cases. Potential metrics to differentiate good and bad cases are discussed. Ten different varieties of computer mice are used as a test case in this study.