• CN: 11-2187/TH
  • ISSN: 0577-6686

Journal of Mechanical Engineering ›› 2024, Vol. 60 ›› Issue (13): 2-20.doi: 10.3901/JME.2024.13.002

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Review and Prospect for Design Theory and Methodology Research

SUN Zhilin1, WANG Kaifeng1,2, GU Peihua1,2   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354;
    2. International Institute for Innovative Design and Intelligent Manufacturing of Tianjin University-Zhejiang, Shaoxing 312099
  • Received:2023-11-01 Revised:2024-03-06 Online:2024-07-05 Published:2024-08-24

Abstract: The development process of design theory and methodology has been reviewed by analyzing the themes and keywords in the literature on design and manufacturing. The development of design theory research is divided into four stages through investigating the relationship between manufacturing technology, information technology, and design theory. From the perspective of the product life cycle, the most widely used design theories and methodologies have been categorized and summarized, and their concepts, characteristics, and scopes of applications have been discussed. The primary techniques used to advance design theory have been outlined from the perspectives of design process representation, design knowledge management, and design evaluation. Finally, the future research trends are prospected from three aspects: design for complex systems, design with artificial intelligence, and environmentally friendly design.

Key words: design theory, design methodology, manufacturing technology, information technology

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