The integration of DSM and Axiomatic Design in product design as part of an MDM process

Mapping among several domains allows different aspects of the design process to be put in relation. Considering that the DSM data structure is able to capture much information of a single part of the product development process, the DMM allows different domains to be linked. The first mapping matrix employed in the design process connects the functional and the physical domain. It describes how the functionalities are explained and by which elements. The Design Matrix of the Axiomatic Design approach is intrinsically a mapping matrix, and describes the relation between functional requirements and design parameters. It is a candidate to be part of the MDM data structure, being addressed to guide the solution to problems during the product design. The paper discusses the nature of the Design Matrix and compares it with the first DMM of the MDM process. On the basis of a case study differences and similarities are pointed out.