Improving design process performance
The Process Management Group researches the role and nature of process modelling in the successful delivery of new products and services. In particular, we are researching how the modelling and analysis of design processes can influence the timely introduction and commercial success of a product:
- by generating a greater understanding of the nature and demands of complex system design;
- by challenging current planning practice and risk management in complex system design;
- by developing novel and useful design process improvement tools.
Our research is driven by practice. We are currently working with Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, BT, BP, Laing O’Rourke, Siemens and others to deliver on a variety of research topics and to define the priorities for future study.
We have developed a novel approach to design process mapping and analysis, known as Signposting, to assist in the management of complex design processes. A software tool, the Cambridge Advanced Modeller (CAM), which supports Signposting and the use of Dependency Structure Matrices has been developed and is being used in industry. An edited book on Design Process Improvement was published by Springer in 2005.
Group Members
- Professor P John Clarkson (Group Leader)
- Dr Timoleon Kipouros (Lead Researcher and Principal Research Associate)
- Dr Alexander Komashie (Visiting Research Fellow)
Associated Projects
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Digital Twins for Improved Dynamic Design (DigiTwin) The aim of the project is to create a robustly-validated virtual prediction tool called a “digital twin”. A digital twin is much more than just a numerical model: It is a virtualised proxy version of the physical system built from a fusion of data with models of differing fidelity, using novel techniques in uncertainty analysis, model reduction, and experimental validation. |
Tools
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Cambridge Advanced Modeller is a software tool for modelling and analysing the dependencies and flows in complex systems such as products, processes and organisations. It provides a diagrammer, simulation tool, DSM tool and a variety of toolboxes. CAM is free for research, teaching and evaluation. |
Books
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Design Process Improvement: A Review of Current Practice Edited by: John Clarkson, Claudia Eckert. Springer. There is always room for improvement in design, whether it be a better product or for a better design process. Experience of working with automotive, aerospace and healthcare companies has shown that effective communication, management of change and process planning are essential for effective product development process. |
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Modelling and Management of Engineering Processes Edited by: Peter Heisig, John Clarkson, Sandor Vajna. Springer. This first book on Modelling and Management of Engineering Processes (MMEP) presents leading national and international research in the fields of engineering design, process modelling in engineering design and product development, and innovation management selected for the first international conference MMEP 2010. |
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Modelling and Management of Engineering Processes Edited by: Peter Heisig, John Clarkson. Cambridge Engineering Design Centre. This second book on Modelling and Management of Engineering Processes (MMEP) presents leading national and international research in the fields of engineering design, process modelling in engineering design and product development, and innovation management selected for the second international workshop MMEP 2012. |
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Managing Complexity by Modelling Dependencies Edited by: David Wynn, Matthias Kreimeyer, Katharina Eben, Maik Maurer, Udo Lindemann, John Clarkson. Hauser Publishing. Dependency and Structure Modelling (DSM) techniques support the management of complexity by focusing attention on the elements of a complex system and how they are related to each other. DSMs can assist in understanding, designing and optimising complex systems including products, processes and organisations. |
