A FRAMEWORK FOR CONCEPT VALIDATION IN DESIGN USING DIGITAL PROTOTYPING

Abstract

Validation of product concepts to fulfill user needs is of great importance to develop a successful product. The objective of this thesis was to develop a framework for concept validation by using digital prototyping and quantitative feedback. The framework aims to identify the best product concept by using user feedback on specification values and design solutions at conceptual design. The framework involves users at two stages (1) before concept generation to identify the best target specifications from product design specification so as to produce better design solutions, and (2) at concept selection to identify the best solutions to develop a product concept complying better with user needs. Conclusive evidence was provided that the concept validation based on the developed framework can deal with a large number of specifications and solutions, and yields the product concepts that effectively fulfill user needs. We focused on hand-held electronic consumer products such as smartphones.