The design evaluation has become more complex, because many companies have been adopted new product development system to cope with global competition. The purpose of this study is to develop computer based design evaluation system called 'Design Evaluation System'. The objectives of this study are as follows: 1) identify the characteristics of design problem and relationships between design evaluation and design decision making, 2) compare design evaluation methods and decision making methods, 3) classify design evaluation methods, 4) study information technology, and 5) develop 'Design Evaluation System' using a computer.
The design evaluation has two aspects: objective and subjective. The objective evaluation regards design attributes expressed by quantity, and the subjective one regards those expressed by quality. The Subjective aspect results from the unique craracteristics of a design problem which is usually vague and ill-defined. Decision making, therefore, is engaged in design evaluation and evaluation result can support design decision making. In this point, the design evaluation can be considered as a pre-step of the design decision making. Though a design evaluation and a design decision making is closely connected, they can be separated in the respect to the number of evaluator, the design management level, the degree of product innovation. In order to choose proper design evaluation methods, which are classified by the characteristics of design attributes, the number of evaluators, the process phase, and the number of alternatives. To make 'Design Evaluation System' using a computer, many functions such as database, expert system, simulation, multimedia presentation, and supporting decision making are needed.
The proposed 'Design Evaluation System' has three main modules: 1) managing design evaluation, 2) supporting design evaluation, and 3) supporting design decision making. A Visual Basic(release 4.0) is used as a programming language. The design evaluation management module has the function of preparing criteria, alternatives for evaluation, and of selecting a design evaluation method. The module for supporting design evaluation has the function of showing criteria, alternatives as reference, and of supporting evaluation. The module for making design decision has the function of analyzing evaluation result, recommending alternatives, and communication among teams.
