A Meta-Methodology for the Application of DFX Design Guidelines

Abstract

This chapter presents a meta-methodology for addressing the issue of how the information contained within Design for X (DFX) techniques can be organised such that the implications of decisions are proactively evaluated. By applying only those guidelines that are of value to the emerging design at a particular stage during the product development process a more efficient methodology for guideline utilisation is synthesised. This meta-methodology also determines the relative importance of each guideline and the nature of the interactions that occur between competing DFX techniques. To place the methodology into context an illustrative example is presented. The example is used to provide a more detailed understanding of how to apply the methodology and to draw out some of the issues that arise through its application.