A rationalised approach to the application of CAD within mechanical product design

This paper reviews the nature of the product design process by focusing on the types of design that arise throughout the life cycle of an engineering product. It is proposed that considerations of `design by evolution¿¿ and `design by innovation¿¿ should be carefully assessed as fundamental criteria when formulating decisions on the adoption and implementation of CAD within mechanical product design. It is further suggested that, within the conceptual boundaries of product design, the application of CAD techniques may accelerate a product´s progression from the state of innovatory design towards the evolutionary design condition.