A prototype system to support conceptual design synthesis for Multi-X

Design for X guidelines methodologies tend to be reactive, that is a design solution has been generated firstly, it is then analysed according to a particular X or life cycle phase. There is a need to incorporate different life cycle constraints before the solution generation i.e. at the conceptual design synthesis stage, but as design solutions are abstract at conceptual design stage, there is a lack of availability of product life cycle knowledge. This research explores the true meaning of design context knowledge/information by studying how these pieces of knowledge can be used in a computer based environment through the classification of different categories of context knowledge and reasoning using them to support function based conceptual design synthesis for Multi-X. This paper describes the system architecture, development and working of prototype system by conducting a case study of a sheet metal component conceptual design in order to show the selection of conceptual design solutions not only satisfying functional requirements but also catering for different life cycle implications/constraints by generating potential good/problematic life cycle consequences. The implemented prototype system has been evaluated by different researchers regarding support to conceptual design synthesis for Multi-X and the results are also presented in the paper.