Product model-based design process modeling in collaborative design

The design process is driven by product information in nature. The common workflow model is usually pre-defined and not flexible for the dynamic design process. A new product model-based design process modeling technique is proposed. Product model is defined as design entities, domain models, parameters, and revisions. Data node is added to workflow model to represent input and output information in design process. Product model-based process can be simultaneously created as design proceeds, mapping from product model, without the necessity of template modeling in advance. Design process is executed and controlled by both activity states and data-activity relations. The proposed model is flexible in complex product design especially in conceptual design stage with multidiscipline cooperation and intensive design changes.