DI:7.2 CONCEPT EVALUATION

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After design concepts have been developed they must be reviewed.

When evaluating concepts, we are best to start with many concepts and then refine,

DI:7.2.1 Decision Matrix

Basically we set some criteria, give them a value, and then compare conceptual designs to it. The final results are numerical.

For this method we,

1. list the conceptual designs as columns.

2. List the criteria as rows (these criteria are like those used in QFD).

3. A weight is given to each criteria.

4. A score is given to the concept for each criteria. The ranking is done relative to one of the design concepts, with the middle of the scale being the first concept. A scale of -3 to +3 is reasonable.

5. Using the criteria weights, the column values are multiplied and added to get a score for the design.

6. The design with the highest score is often judged the best candidate for detailed design (although other designs may be chosen).