IDENTIFYING THE STRATEGIC KNOWLEDGE OF EXPERIENCED DESIGNERS

Abstract. This paper describes empirical research carried out to understand the knowledge possessed by experienced engineering designers. Three studies were carried out in order to understand the differences between how novice and experienced designers approach design tasks within the aerospace industry. Strategic knowledge used by experienced designers was identified from the findings. A method to support novice designers through the provision of generic questions based upon this strategic knowledge was developed. This method has been empirically evaluated for possible implementation in the form of an Intranet to support designers. This Intranet captures and structures information based upon observations of experienced designers and therefore prompts novice designers to behave more like experienced designers. 1. Introduction The aerospace industry, along with other industries, has recognised the need to bridge more rapidly the experience gap between novice and experienced designers. Therefore, providing support for designers through the capture, storage and reuse of knowledge is a key concern to achieve shorter project timescales and reduce the likelihood of errors (Moore, 1997). Many tools have been developed to support designers. These include tools that capture the history of the design and the reasoning of the designers, i.e. design rationale. Tools that capture design knowledge can be categorised into two groups: off-line capture and on-line capture (Jensen, 1998). Off-line tools do not capture design knowledge as part of the design process, but the knowledge is structured and managed by someone

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