Automated Information Management for Designers: Functional Requirements for Computer Based Associates That Support Access and Use of Technical Information in Design

Abstract

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response. including the time for reviewing instructions. searching existing data sources. gatherq a•nd maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)The purpose of this program was to analyze the process of complex system design to determine why designers often fail to consider potentially valuable technical information in making design decisions.Based on this analysis, the goal was to define functional requirements for a new class of supports that will enhance designers' access and use of such information.Termed Designer's Associates, these supports derive from a thorough understanding of designer's tasks and the services that intelligent computing technologies make possible.14. The purpose of this program was to analyze the process of complex system design to determine why designers often fail to consider potentially valuable technical information in making design decisions. Based on this analysis, the goal was to define functional requirements for a new class of supports that will enhance designers' access and use of such information. Termed Designer's Associates, these supports derive from a thorough understanding of designers' tasks and the services that intelligent computing technologies make possible.Relevant design information exists in a variety of places, expressed in many forms, of varying quality, etc. It includes both system-specific and system-independent elements. Information also tends to be distributed across "data islands," making availability a problem. The designer may not be aware of, misinterpret, or not value relevant information that could improve his decisions. For better or worse, each designer assesses the costs and benefits associated with information access, and acts in accord with this evaluation. A poor evaluation can effectively block information from affecting design choices. The surrounding milieu, which is composed of co-workers, organizations and technology, can interfere with access and use in a variety of direct and subtle ways.One approach for improving information access and utilization is through use of a new concept in intelligent computer-based supports called "mixed-initiative support systems." In these systems, decision-making authority and task performance can be delegated to machine intelligence to augment human performance. Based on successful application of mixed-initiative systems in the aviation and process control domains, we examine the prospects for applying this technology to information access and use in design. We consider technological needs, system architecture, and how such a support system might be evaluated. The effort involved our examining the processes by which complex systems evolve, with most examples taken from military aircraft and aircr...

Cognitive understanding of knowledge processing and modeling in design

“…B understanding why designers use some types of knowledge and discard others (Cody et al, 1993); '' Understanding how people value knowledge to make decisions is essential for the development of better knowledge-based system support. '' B understanding the importance of leadership; and B developing methodology for measuring team performance.…”

“…Knowledge requirements vary across decision making process. Decision makers evaluate the sources of knowledge in terms of their potential to reduce uncertainty, apply to an important concern, be accessible, and be in an appropriate form (Cody et al, 1993). It is important to understand how people make decisions, the limitations they typically experience in decision making, how time pressures and limitations affect the process, and how to design systems to support and enhance decision making.…”

Knowledge-based collaborative decision making in product design

“…In order to define designers' needs, it is important to understand the characteristics of design problems and the processes by which these problems are addressed (Cody, Rouse, & Boff, 1993). Design is an important subject of study in cognitive science (Goel, 1991).…”

“…Many designers frequently find it difficult to apply appropriate knowledge in different design stages (Sherman, Berkowitz, & Souder, 2005). This requires understanding the nature of the design process-who is involved, when, and what do designers do-throughout the design process (Cody, Rouse, & Boff, 1993).…”

“…Earlier work has demonstrated that developing decisions that affect usability are often made without relevant human-related technical information (Cody, Rouse, & Boff, 1993). Such information pertains to the anthropometric, behavioral, performance, learning, reasoning, and social characteristics of customers.…”