Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the various stages or phases of design in engineering, particularly in the context of product development and specific applications such as ship and aircraft design. Participants seek clarification on the order of these stages and the distinctions between terms like "detail design" and "final design." The conversation touches on both general practices and industry-specific methodologies.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose a sequence of design phases including Conceptual Design, Preliminary Design, and Final Design, while questioning the role of Detail Design.
- One participant mentions the necessity of a Product Development Process/Quality Management System (PDP/QMS) for maintaining ISO 900x certification, outlining specific stages such as Specifications, Investigation, Development, and Release to Production.
- Another participant inquires about the established practices for designing heavy machinery like ships or aircraft, suggesting that there are well-defined stages in these fields.
- A participant describes the ship design process, emphasizing the importance of requirements specification, preliminary design, and detailed design, including model testing and construction planning.
- There is a discussion about whether conceptual design is omitted in ship design, with some arguing it falls under the preliminary phase due to the adaptation of existing designs to new requirements.
- An engineer from the mining industry outlines a different approach involving phases such as Conceptual Study, Pre-feasibility, Feasibility, and Final Design, highlighting the detailed calculations and specifications involved in the later phases.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express varying views on the specific stages of design and their definitions, indicating that multiple competing models exist. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact order and terminology used across different industries.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference different industry practices and may rely on specific definitions that could vary by context. There is an acknowledgment of the complexity and variability in design processes across fields.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be of interest to engineers, project managers, and students involved in product development, particularly in sectors such as aerospace, maritime, and mining engineering.