Abstract: In order to achieve system-wide solution for platform-based product family design, any design method should set up the decision framework along the entire spectrum of product realization according to the concept of design domains. The method presented is explored through sensitivity analysis which helps to quantify the cascading mappings between customers’ requirements, functional requirements, design parameters and process variables. Based on analyzing customers’ needs, the product platform characteristics are identified by using the sensitivity analysis results which integrate various information from all the design domains. By way of illustration, a family of sedan is designed and its results demonstrate the effectiveness and practical value of the method.

Key words: Design domains, Family sedan, Product family design, Product platform, Sensitivity analysis