Title: Reviewing the state-of-the-art design rationale definitions, representations and capabilities

Authors: Jeevan Sagoo; Ashutosh Tiwari; Jeffrey Alcock

Addresses: Manufacturing and Materials Department, Cranfield University, Building 50, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK ' Manufacturing and Materials Department, Cranfield University, Building 50, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK ' Manufacturing and Materials Department, Cranfield University, Building 50, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK

Abstract: This paper aims to identify how researchers have defined the concept of design rationale, report on the state-of-the-art design rationale representations and categorise the capabilities that design rationale currently has to offer. To guide this review of the literature, three research questions have been posed each addressing the specified aims of this paper. Design rationale is inherently linked to the explanation of a set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action in the generic context of design. New methods for representing design rationale have been developed since year 2000, many extending the seminal issue-based information system method. There are 13 categories of design rationale capabilities that have been identified in this review.

Keywords: design rationale definitions; design rationale representations; design rationale capture; design rationale capabilities; design history; engineering design process; knowledge management.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDE.2014.062377

International Journal of Design Engineering, 2014 Vol.5 No.3, pp.211 - 231

Received: 25 Jan 2013
Accepted: 14 Nov 2013
Published online: 26 Jul 2014 *

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