RESPECT DESIGN OR EXPECT DISASTER

For over half a century design researchers and practitioners have been studying and analysing the engineering design process, with the aim of developing theories, methods and tools to improve design effectiveness at varying levels of technical complexity. An enormous range of documented output has been generated, from which has come a detailed understanding of how to produce successful designs in a systematic, competent and professional manner. There has been a growing attempt to pass on this knowledge, experience and methodology in a practical way, but the reception is usually more sceptical than enthusiastic. Often the focus in industry is on immediate issues of production and cost savings, while in university engineering departments it is biased towards engineering analysis to maximise research revenue.