Nucleus-based product conceptualization - Part 2. Application in designing for use

Abstract

when products are being designed, especially in conceptual design where there is a multitude of options for the designer. This paper presents a methodology to generate resource-integrated models unifying representations of the product, the user and the environment based on nucleus modelling, which is presented in Part 1 of this paper, according to scenarios that describe the use of products 1. This homogenous representation allows modelling both from an object point of view and a process point of view. A designer can model known use processes and obtain simulation-based predictions of ad-hoc situations. The nucleus is the lowest level modelling entity that can be used equally well in representing the three actors. The time dependent relations allow behavioural simulation in space and time that is the basis of use process modelling and forecasting. A case study is presented that clarifies the method of application and the achieved results. The simulation was based on a single scenario; management of multiple scenarios is an issue remaining for future research.