Development of a new product using systematic design methods. Case study: an elevating platform for interior decorating

Design Function Deployment, DFD, is a framework developed for a Concurrent Engineering Design System and common with other systematic design methods it is characterised by the use of a prescriptive design model and design tools. The underlying design model for DFD, is a series of procedural stages which, when followed, guide the designer to the optimal solution via the minimum prescribed path. This minimum prescribed path and the selected design tools for the design of a specific product forms the 'Process Chain' that has to be followed in the development of the specified product and thus combines Product Modelling with the use of Systematic Design Methodologies. The method was developed for use in a computer assisted environment but can be applied equally well to a manual process. The approach adopted to date, in the development of DFD has been predominantly theoretical and has been based upon the generation of new variants of existing products. This paper focuses on how completely new products can also be generated using the systematic methods prescribed by Design Function Deployment. A Case Study carried out at Brunel University, describing the development of a new product; an elevating platform for interior decorating, is employed to illustrate the practical application of this methodology. The paper follows the development process, from planning and specification of the product, through conceptual design, design selection and embodiment.