Abstract
Function is a key concept to integrate design object modeling and design process modeling in design. We here propose the FEP (Functional Evolution Process) model in order to integrate design object modeling and design process modeling. In the FEP model, the model of a design object is evolved through three steps, i.e., function description, function actualization and function evaluation. Function description is the step in which a designer modifies required functions of a design object. Function actualization depicts a process to obtain physical descriptions from functional description. Function evaluation is a process to measure realizability of functions of the design object. However, among other steps, how to treat the function evaluation is one of the most important theme, because evaluation executed by designers is based on subjective, ambiguous and tacit standards.
We discuss a methodology for evaluating function and propose the function content that quantifies functions and enables evaluation of functions. The function content is a similar concept of Shannon’s information content and we show an example of functional optimization based on this scheme.
