Computer supported co-operative design: towards effective solutions

Many stages in the product design and development process, particularly the latter stages, are well supported by computers. Computer Supported Co-operative Design (CSCD), however, embraces the use of computers to support a greater number of various tasks such as relationships (e.g. designer to designer communications), processes (e.g. CAD/CAM) and specific design tasks (e.g. concept generation). CSCD has been developed as a means of helping organizations produce higher quality and more diverse products in the light of several significant pressures. It should be noted, however, that no one system can support the diversity of design tasks which form the fundamental basis of creative design activity.