A revised text that presents specific design methods within an overall strategy from concept to detail design
The fifth edition of Engineering Design Methods is an improved and updated version of this very successful, classic text on engineering product design. It provides an overview of design activities and processes, detailed descriptions and examples of how to use key design methods, and outlines design project strategies and management techniques. Written by a noted expert on the topic, the new edition contains an enriched variety of examples and case studies, and up to date material on design thinking and the development of design expertise.
This new edition opens with a compelling original case study of a revolutionary new city-car design by ex-Formula One designer Gordon Murray. The study illustrates the complete development of a novel design and brings to life the process of design, from concept through to prototype. The core of the book presents detailed instructions and examples for using design methods throughout the design process, ranging from identifying new product opportunities, through establishing functions and setting requirements, to generating, evaluating and improving alternative designs. This important book:
- Offers a revised and updated edition of an established, successful text on understanding the design process and using design methods
- Includes new material on design thinking and design ability and new examples of the use of design methods
- Presents clear, detailed and illustrated presentations of eight key design methods in engineering product design
Written for undergraduates and postgraduates across all fields of engineering and product design, the fifth edition of Engineering Design Methods offers an updated, substantial, and reliable text on product design and innovation.
Table of Contents:
Introduction vii
Part One: Design Fundamentals 1
1 The Activity of Design 3
What Designers Say 3
What Designers Do 5
Case Study 9
2 The Nature of Design 15
Design Problems 15
Problem Structures 18
How Designers Problem-Solve 21
3 The Process of Design 27
Descriptive Models 27
Prescriptive Models 30
Integrative Models 37
Part Two: Design Practice 41
4 Design Procedures 43
Systematic Procedures 43
Design Methods 44
Creative Methods 46
Rational Methods 53
5 Identifying Opportunities 57
The User Scenarios Method 58
6 Clarifying Objectives 73
The Objectives Tree Method 74
7 Establishing Functions 87
The Function Analysis Method 88
8 Setting Requirements 99
The Performance Specification Method 100
9 Determining Characteristics 113
The Quality Function Deployment Method 114
10 Generating Alternatives 129
The Morphological Chart Method 130
11 Evaluating Alternatives 143
The Weighted Objectives Method 144
12 Improving Details 161
The Value Engineering Method 162
13 Design Strategies 179
What is a Design Strategy? 179
Strategy Frameworks 183
Strategy Control 185
Learning to Design 186
Developing Expertise 188
Part Three: Design Thinking 191
14 Design and Innovation 193
Product Planning 193
Systems Design 198
References and Sources 203
Index 205
About the Author :
Nigel Cross is Emeritus Professor of Design Studies at The Open University, UK, where he pioneered distance learning in design. He was also Professor of Design Methodology at Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. He has an international reputation in design education and research in design methodology, design thinking, design expertise and the nature of design ability.
