Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 4
IT-Based Tools to Support New Product Design:
A Case Study of a Design Consultancy Firm
Julian Malins and Aggelos Liapis
Abstract
Product design and development processes do not always proceed in a
linear step-by-step manner, starting with the initial problem leading to a solution
consisting of a number of clearly defined steps in between. As such the develop-
ment of IT-based tools to support this process is also far from straightforward. It
requires considerable creativity to design IT-based systems that can enhance product
designer's capabilities without detracting from the creative process. In this chapter,
we offer insights into the use of various IT-based systems that have been developed
in response to the requirements of a contemporary design consultancy. Specifically,
we examine the various stages in the design process based on a case study of a
London-based design consultancy, Studio Levien. The case study is used to illus-
trate the key IT-based elements required to support the design process and their
implications for research and practice.
4.1 Introduction
Product design and development processes do not always proceed in a linear step-
by-step manner, starting with the initial problem leading to a solution consisting
of a number of clearly defined steps in between. Indeed, the reality is far more
complex and unpredictable. The process may consist of many iterative steps and
the progress may appear to be haphazard and idiosyncratic. Like the creative pro-
cess itself, it resists clear definition (Brazier, 2001; Press & Cooper, 2003; Hudson,
2005). As such the development of IT-based tools to support this process is also far
from straightforward. It requires considerable creativity to design IT-based systems
that can enhance product designer's capabilities without detracting from the creative
process. In this chapter, we use the case study of a product design consultancy firm
to illustrate this and to emphasize the implications for research on IT and product
development.
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