Title: Object-oriented multi-perspective framework of technical system design

Authors: Yadav P. Khanal; Ralph O. Buchal

Addresses: Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada ' Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5B9, Canada

Abstract: This paper describes the application of a multi-perspective object-oriented abstraction in the design of a technical system to address the issues of bounded rationality and to simulate human cognitive coupling. Three major assumptions have been taken in the development of the framework: object representation, classification of objects based on their properties, and bounded rationality. Four rules pertaining to the multi-perspective design method are derived to establish the framework by adopting the function modelling approach. The framework supports the cognitive coupling and uncoupling of multiple perspectives to help designers understand system interactions without suffering cognitive overload. The framework provides guidance for the development of computer tools to support human designers.

Keywords: object-oriented abstraction; multi-perspective abstraction; bounded rationality; design method; function modelling; cognitive coupling; technical system design; object representation; object classification.

DOI: 10.1504/JDR.2011.043364

Journal of Design Research, 2011 Vol.9 No.4, pp.376 - 389

Received: 24 Mar 2011
Accepted: 07 Apr 2011
Published online: 16 Oct 2014 *

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