A high-definition design structure matrix (HDDSM) for the quantitative assessment of product architecture

Abstract

As the field of engineering design matures, new techniques and methods are continuously being developed to conceptualise and analyse product architecture. These techniques and methods require product representations with higher sophistication, granularity, and fidelity. To address these needs, the high-definition design structure matrix (HDDSM) is presented as a new and evolved product representation model that captures a spectrum of interactions between components of a product, such that characteristics of product architecture can be assessed and compared. The HDDSM includes an interaction basis to capture a variety of standardised types of interactions and a hierarchical modelling method to facilitate modular, more efficient compilation of a design structure matrix with a high level of detail. To illustrate the types of quantitative analyses supported by the HDDSM, it is used as a foundation for quantifying the degree of nesting and identifying the presence of frameworks in product architectures – two characteristics that are related to product customisation.