ProductMap: a proposal for knowledge organization in design education
Cassia Mousinho de Figueiredo, Ricardo Manfredi Naveiro
http://dx.doi.org/10.4322/pmd.2013.016
Product, vol.11, n2, p.73-83, 2013
Abstract
This paper aims to present a computational tool, ProductMap, developed to aid the design of new products. Such tool is based on the knowledge organization employed in the design by categories, in order to allow design students explore holistically the product he wants to conceive. The products and categories are visually organized in a representation structure called mind map that allows a product to link to its similar one by their attribute connections. To support the discussion about the gains through the use of the tool, we conducted a design exercise with design students, making use of the tool, to investigate whether there was an improvement in the process. The results are illustrated and discussed.
Keywords
product design, design knowledge, design education, mind maps