Engineering Design Models: Context, theory and practice

This paper provides a critique of contemporary models in engineering design. The differences between the approaches generally prescribed by these models and how design is practised in industry are highlighted. It is argued that the design process has to be understood within the broad context of design projects and the wider environment. Based on a study of UK engineering companies, it is shown that, notwithstanding the possibility of some less good practices by design practitioners, the design context has a fundamental influence on the most appropriate choice of design strategy. This does not imply the need for new models per se, but it is suggested that researchers should contemplate models which are more sympathetic to the design context and the needs of design practitioners. Essentially, this requires models for interpretation rather than prescription.