Unfolding the design process architecture: a networked perspective on activities

Pedro Parraguez Ruiz, Anja Maier

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution book

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A number of network-based process models have been developed to guide the design of engineering systems. Many such models represent design activities only as single nodes. As a result, the architecture, i.e. the network structure and composition of each activity, remains invisible and inaccessible for further analysis. However, when we unfold the architecture of activities we see the organisation network through which activities are conducted by people. The architectures of such organisation networks matter as they affect performance outcomes of activities. We propose and empirically test a framework for systematic characterisation and subsequent clustering of activities based on the architecture of the activities’ organisation networks. Architecture characteristics examined include network size, network density and compositional diversity. The proposed framework not only enriches current process models, but also enables a more systematic analysis of the relationship between the organisation network of each activity and performance. The framework is tested with data from the design process of a biomass power plant where we identified architecture-performance relationships.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 20th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED 15) Volume 10
Subtitle of host publicationDesign Information and Knowledge Management
EditorsChristian Weber , Stephan Husung, Marco Cantamessa
Pages177-188
Number of pages12
Publication statusPublished - 30 Jul 2015
Event20th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED'15) - Bovisa Campus - Politecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
Duration: 27 Jul 201530 Jul 2015

Conference

Conference20th International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED'15)
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityMilan
Period27/07/1530/07/15

Keywords

  • complexity
  • design process
  • organisation of product development
  • network analysis
  • design activity

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