Marina Gourtovaia’s research while affiliated with University of Cambridge and other places

This paper addresses the general issue of software tool support for designers, helping them to structure, to communicate and to document activities of generation, evaluation and decision. Here the focus is on detailed consideration of desired and undesired behavioural relationships among elements of complex design artefacts and with end users. This is an area that has recently been under discussion by proponents and critics of Affordance Based Design methods. Our solution approach is to extend an existing graph based software tool for design rationale capture that has been in widespread use in an international aerospace company for several years. We are integrating its Issue Based Information System (IBIS) based design argumentation with hierarchical Functional Analysis Diagrams (FAD), a form of Concept Map. The resulting software is being tested by practical application on pilot projects in the company, and initial experiences have been very favourable. The new graph element types, bidirectional relationship types between graphs, and supporting navigational facilities are described. Their use is illustrated by example of an integrated hierarchical FAD and assembly geometry model of a gas turbine engine.

The invention concerns a tool and method for capturing information gathered during an analysis project. Such information may comprise engineering design or other decision making rationale. The invention comprises a storage means for storing the analysis information generated or acquired during progress of an analysis project, wherein the analysis information is in the form of a plurality of graphical representations. Each graphical representation denotes a plurality of entities under analysis and the plurality of graphical representations comprises at least one representation of a first kind and at least one representation of a second kind. Input means is provided to allow a user to generate each graphical representation using a first or second predetermined structure according to its kind, said graphical representations being arranged for storage as a plurality of graphical representation files in the storage means. Presentation means allow for subsequent retrieval and presenting of the analysis information. A bi-directional link is created between different graphical representations denoting a common entity under analysis so as to allow navigation between the linked graphical representations by traversing the bi-directional link in either direction.

Documented engineering design rationale has the potential to become a key source of information about past designs. Ease of comprehension of design rationale might play a crucial role in ensuring that the full potential of documented information is realized and that the effort and time necessary to capture design rationale pay off. This research proposes an empirical methodology for evaluating how structuring design rationale and supplying it with visual nontextual cues influences reading and interpretation. The study compares reading and interpretation of technical documentation presented in different formats to engineering graduate trainees in the aerospace industry.

Documented design rationale is one of the key sources of information about past designs. Ease of comprehension of design rationale might play a crucial role in ensuring that the full potential of documented design rational is realised and the effort and time that go into capturing design rationale pay off. This empirical study explores how structuring textual information about design rationale and supplying it with visual non-textual cues influences reading comprehension. The study compares comprehension of technical documentation presented in different forms by engineering trainees in aerospace industry.

Performance-driven generative design methods are capable of producing concepts and stimulating solutions based on robust and rigorous models of design conditions and performance criteria. Using generative methods, the computer becomes a design generator in addition to its more conventional role as draftsperson, visualizor, data checker and performance analyst. To enable designers to readily develop meaningful input models, this paper describes a preliminary integration of a generative structural design system, eifForm, and an associative modeling system, Generative Components, through the use of XML models. An example is given involving generation of 20 lightweight, cantilever roof trusses for a saddle shaped stadium roof modeled in Generative Components. Synergies between the two systems and future extensions are discussed.

To achieve enhanced usability of generative and optimization methods for both structural designers and architects, rapid prototyping of software demonstrators is essential in order to demonstrate potential impact for design practice and enable feedback throughout method development. In this paper, specification requirements and software design solutions for such demonstrators are discussed.