Operational Product Performance

In recent years, industry has stressed the need for
graduates who are capable of designing new products.
It is not the strongest, not the smartest,
but the fittest products become successful. The
greatest opportunity to influence performance of new
products lies in the early stages of the design
process. For more reasons this phase is lacking
teaching methodologies, operational models and
computer support. Inspired by simplicity and yet
strength of the theory of evolution we define an
analytical view of the design process which supports
appearance of product performance. We introduce a
generic operational model supported by a software
tool and relate this model to the design terminology
and several other theories including creativity
techniques, TRIZ, performance management, knowledge
management, operations research, software design and
genetic algorithms. The conducted case-studies show
how our results can be integrated smoothly into the
design process and applied in higher design
education. This work should help design students to
develop analytical skills and approach successful
product.

Autorentext
Maxim Ivashkov (PhD) is a business analyst and developer specializing in performance management and business applications. After his PhD design project at the Technical University of Eindhoven, the Netherlands, he joined the industry and currently works as a co-owner of 4suc6 on the future face of business organizations.

Klappentext
In recent years, industry has stressed the need for graduates who are capable of designing new products. It is not the strongest, not the smartest, but the fittest products become successful. The greatest opportunity to influence performance of new products lies in the early stages of the design process. For more reasons this phase is lacking teaching methodologies, operational models and computer support. Inspired by simplicity and yet strength of the theory of evolution we define an analytical view of the design process which supports appearance of product performance. We introduce a generic operational model supported by a software tool and relate this model to the design terminology and several other theories including creativity techniques, TRIZ, performance management, knowledge management, operations research, software design and genetic algorithms. The conducted case-studies show how our results can be integrated smoothly into the design process and applied in higher design education. This work should help design students to develop analytical skills and approach successful product.