Axiomatic Design: Review, Impact, and Future Direction

Abstract

Design broadly defined deals with mapping from societal wants or needs to means for satisfying these needs. Axiomatic design is a well-known approach to design that was initially proposed by Nam P. Suh in the late 1970s. Since that time, it has underpinned much academic research in engineering design; it has been taught internationally as part of engineering curricula; and it has been used across many industries. This paper attempts to assess the impact of axiomatic design in guiding design research; its practical, industrial applications; as well as its role in stimulating and renewing engineering education. This paper also provides a brief review of the concepts underlying axiomatic design theory including its motivation and history of development, recent activity within the axiomatic design community, and suggestions for future research directions.