Coordinated Design For X

Design For X focuses on the optimisation of the properties of a product in its various life-cycle stages (part manufacturing, assembly etc.). The goal of the research reported on in this paper is to make DFX an integral part of the design process. Present supporting tools for DFX have no functionality in controlling when life-cycle issues are considered during design. This paper presents a concept for designer support in DFX, of which one of the main features is design coordination functionality. The task of this functionality is to ensure that life-cycle demands are considered at the right moments during design. Apart from an improved product, this approach will result in an improved design process. The paper discusses the concept and various aspects related to it, and presents a first implementation.