Reflecting communication

A key factor for successful collaboration between embodiment design and simulation

Journal article (2009)

Authors

A.M. Maier University of Cambridge

Matthias Kreimeyer Technische Universität München

Udo Lindemann Technische Universität München

P.J. Clarkson University of Cambridge

Affiliation

External organisation

Collaborative design Product development Design management Automotive engineering Design process improvement Communication assessment method Computer-aided design-computer-aided engineering integration Industrial case study

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Published Date

2009-6

Language

English

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Abstract

The need for integration of computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering environments stems from the business priority to reduce product cycle times. It is exacerbated by the coexistence of two different paradigms: a topological one in embodiment design and a functional one in simulation. This dualism places increasing demands on human communication between design and simulation engineers. This paper claims that reflecting communication is a key factor for successful collaboration. Reflection is used in both senses of the Latin word 'reflectare': to trigger active thinking about and consideration of communication, as well as to mirror perceptions of a given situation by people collaborating. The paper reports on the development and application of a maturity-grid approach to diagnose the current and desired states of communication between design engineers and simulation engineers in the car body development of a German automotive manufacturer. Results include three themes: one, the importance of understanding of the collaborators'information needs; two, the importance of orientation, e.g., indicated by the engineers' overview of sequence of tasks in the design process; and three, the importance of reflection.