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Mind-sets of functional reasoning in engineering design

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 July 2013

Thomas J. Howard  and
Mogens Myrup Andreasen
Thomas J. Howard*
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
Mogens Myrup Andreasen
Affiliation:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
*
Reprint requests to: Thomas J. Howard, Technical University of Denmark, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Produktionstorvet Building 426, Room 142, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark. E-mail: thow@mek.dtu.dk
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Abstract

The concept of a function is of great importance in design. This paper describes from theory how designers should reason about functions when designing. This paper introduces the link model, showing how functions and properties link the product and its use, to the perceived value of the product. The important and useful distinction between functions and properties is made along with the distinction between “wirk functions,” which is what the product does when operating, and “use functions,” which is what the product is used for. The paper makes a novel contribution beyond previous literature, showing that not only is a product's behavior or mode of action designed but also the use activity of the end user. Based on the theoretical perspective unfolded, the authors offer nine mind-sets for both design practitioners and researchers to consider when reasoning about functions.

Keywords

Design MethodologyDesign TheoryEngineering DesignFunctional ReasoningProperty Reasoning
Type
Response Papers
Information
AI EDAM , Volume 27 , Issue 3: Functional Descriptions in Engineering , August 2013 , pp. 233 - 240
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2013 

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