Using DRE to augment generic conceptual design

Reusing experience with previous design is crucial to reducing the complexity and expense of solving design problems. Efforts are now being put into making generic and thus reusable conceptual software designs available for the benefit of knowledge system development. These generic designs define the boundaries of alternative solutions to a class of design problems (such as the design of diagnostic or scheduling applications). They also allow knowledge engineers to approach the design problem as a configuration task. The paper discusses DRE (Design-Requirements-Embedding) which embodies the history of discussion, negotiation, and compromise that leads to a generic conceptual design. This offers guidance for understanding and modifying the design to meet specific needs.>