A revised text that presents specific design methods within an overall strategy from concept to detail design

The fifth edition ofEngineering Design Methods is an improved and updated version of this very successful, classic text on engineering product design. It provides an overview of design activities and processes, detailed descriptions and examples of how to use key design methods, and outlines design project strategies and management techniques. Written by a noted expert on the topic, the new edition contains an enriched variety of examples and case studies, and up to date material on design thinking and the development of design expertise.

This new edition opens with a compelling original case study of a revolutionary new city-car design by ex-Formula One designer Gordon Murray. The study illustrates the complete development of a novel design and brings to life the process of design, from concept through to prototype. The core of the book presents detailed instructions and examples for using design methods throughout the design process, ranging from identifying new product opportunities, through establishing functions and setting requirements, to generating, evaluating and improving alternative designs. This important book:

Offers a revised and updated edition of an established, successful text on understanding the design process and using design methodsIncludes new material on design thinking and design ability and new examples of the use of design methodsPresents clear, detailed and illustrated presentations of eight key design methods in engineering product design

Written for undergraduates and postgraduates across all fields of engineering and product design, the fifth edition ofEngineering Design Methods offers an updated, substantial, and reliable text on product design and innovation.

NigelCross is Emeritus Professor of Design Studies at The Open University, UK, where he pioneered distance learning in design. He was also Professor of Design Methodology at Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands. He has an international reputation in design education and research in design methodology, design thinking, design expertise and the nature of design ability.

Introduction vii

Part One: Design Fundamentals 1

1 The Activity of Design 3

What Designers Say 3

What Designers Do 5

Case Study 9

2 The Nature of Design 15

Design Problems 15

Problem Structures 18

How Designers Problem-Solve 21

3 The Process of Design 27

Descriptive Models 27

Prescriptive Models 30

Integrative Models 37

Part Two: Design Practice 41

4 Design Procedures 43

Systematic Procedures 43

Design Methods 44

Creative Methods 46

Rational Methods 53

5 Identifying Opportunities 57

The User Scenarios Method 58

6 Clarifying Objectives 73

The Objectives Tree Method 74

7 Establishing Functions 87

The Function Analysis Method 88

8 Setting Requirements 99

The Performance Specification Method 100

9 Determining Characteristics 113

The Quality Function Deployment Method 114

10 Generating Alternatives 129

The Morphological Chart Method 130

11 Evaluating Alternatives 143

The Weighted Objectives Method 144

12 Improving Details 161

The Value Engineering Method 162

13 Design Strategies 179

What is a Design Strategy? 179

Strategy Frameworks 183

Strategy Control 185

Learning to Design 186

Developing Expertise 188

Part Three: Design Thinking 191

14 Design and Innovation 193

Product Planning 193

Systems Design 198

References and Sources 203

Index 205