Concurrent engineering: the challenge for the 1990s

A conceptual framework is presented that aids the generation of system requirements sufficient to support the concurrent design activities of avionic engineers, software engineers, knowledge engineers, human factors engineers, and instructional system designers. The recommended design approach for concurrent engineering is given. First, structure the problem comprehensively, independently of technology, and in such a way as to be understandable to the design team members. Second, formulate solution concepts that clearly map to the problem structure. The problems being encountered in avionics design are discussed. It is shown that a multifunctional design team the members of which all work from a common requirements source document could be a major step in implementing an effective solution