The necessity of information in product design process is increasing in recent years, because a product can be called a mass of information and becomes more complex as long as technology is developed. But the present product development method is like a relay race. In this sequential process, information is transferred from one department to other departments like "thrown over the wall". And communication gaps among departments are generated, so information cannot be controlled very well. Therefore it is needed to innovate the design process.
As product innovation is a multidisciplinary process, functional interfaces are very important to the new product outcome. Especially, interface process between design and manufacturing is known to be the most critical one. Several companies have addressed the above problem by resorting to a more flexible methodology, which involves a collaborative effort during the entire life cycle of a product. It is claimed that this integrated process results in reducing development time, fewer design changes, and better overall quality.
The need for using computers as tools for integrated product design methods is increasing, along with changes in information formats. Information system is needed for designer to get an insight on the concept of product and communicate information with multidisciplinary participants involved in new product development. However, current computer usage is merely fragmentary, and may have been restricted to such areas as means of visual expression.
The information system proposed in this study is an application software which can be useful for the designer who considers production process simultaneously. It has been developed primarily for the purpose of usage in IBM PC and Windows environment. It comprises four functional modules: functions of handling the overall project informations (document, idea Sketch, rendering, drawing); functions of decision making for production problems in design project process; functions of groupware which can link with other departments; functions of comprehensive database for production.
It is hoped that the model can be used as a supporter for the integrated product design process, in terms of effective communication among participants in new product development process. It is also expected to increase horizontal feedback as well as to decrease vertical feedback in cyclic design process.
