Title: Analysing critical interaction instances in collaborative concurrent engineering: satellite development

Authors: Gudrun Ziegler; Ju Youn Song; Martin Kracheel; Hubert A. Moser

Addresses: DICA-lab, Université du Luxembourg, L-7220 Luxembourg. ' DICA-lab, Université du Luxembourg, L-7220 Luxembourg. ' DICA-lab, Université du Luxembourg, L-7220 Luxembourg. ' LuxSpace Sàrl, SES Business Center, 9, rue Pierre Werner, L-6832 Betzdorf, Luxembourg

Abstract: Previous studies have addressed people, process, tools and technology as relevant dimensions of concurrent engineering (CE) processes. This study analyses the dynamic interrelation between these dimensions in the process of developing a satellite (-mission), with a focus on collaborative working interactions. The participants in a CE facility work sequentially as well as in parallel, exchanging their knowledge and information, using the tools of the facility, acting according to the requirements of their disciplinary specialities and to the tasks at hand in the CE process. We analyse the collaborative working context in the CE facility, where compelling moments emerge. These specific moments require the participants from different disciplinary positions in the CE facility to engage in negotiations by moving into shared spaces in order to solve the issues at stake. In line with interactional design studies, we identify particular moments in the interaction as Critical Interaction Instances (CIIs).

Keywords: concurrent engineering; simultaneous engineering; critical interaction instances; multi-modal analysis; interaction analysis; advanced satellite design; collaborative working; collaboration; interactional design; product development; product design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2012.051157

International Journal of Product Development, 2012 Vol.17 No.1/2, pp.153 - 169

Received: 31 May 2012
Accepted: 11 Sep 2012

Published online: 30 Dec 2014 *

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