Scrum, a revolutionary approach for design research

DESIGN RESEARCH can be characterised as being dynamic, wicked, and multidisciplinary. To accommodate these characteristics, design research needs to be approached differently from other types of research. Existing design research approaches identifiable in the literature are deemed insufficient to address the characteristics of design research and furthermore, the current options are limited. In this paper, we offer a new approach, adapted from a new product development framework called Scrum. It is an iterative and incremental approach, based on knowledge as it is gained. This is beneficial to address the dynamic and wicked characteristics of design research. Scrum also allows the use of multiple research techniques, which can accommodate the multidisciplinary characteristic of design research. To exemplify the application of Scrum adaptation in design research as well as to identify its pros and cons, the Scrum Design Research (SDR) approach was employed in a Collaborative Engineering Design (CED) study that aimed at developing a socio-technical architectural model. The example application shows that SDR allows the model to be created in an incremental manner. SDR also facilitates continuous lessons learned and improvement throughout the research. It encourages gathering of multiple perspectives from multiple sources and techniques to increase objectivity. The application illustrates that the approach can potentially provide a more comprehensive (from iterations) and objective (from triangulation) research result

Integration of decision support systems to improve decision support performance

Decision support system (DSS) is a well-established research and development area. Traditional isolated, stand-alone DSS has been recently facing new challenges. In order to improve the performance of DSS to meet the challenges, research has been actively carried out to develop integrated decision support systems (IDSS). This paper reviews the current research efforts with regard to the development of IDSS. The focus of the paper is on the integration aspect for IDSS through multiple perspectives, and the technologies that support this integration. More than 100 papers and software systems are discussed. Current research efforts and the development status of IDSS are explained, compared and classified. In addition, future trends and challenges in integration are outlined. The paper concludes that by addressing integration, better support will be provided to decision makers, with the expectation of both better decisions and improved decision making processes

Business and information management architectures for delivering Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) in Engineer To Order (ETO) products

BAE Systems Naval Ships is undertaking a comprehensive overhaul of all aspects of its approach to the engineering, design and manufacture of complex warships. Through a partnership with the University of Strathclyde, research is underway on the implementation of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) to meet organisational objectives. An overview of PLM is provided highlighting the challenges specific to the characteristics of Engineering to Order (ETO) products. These challenges relate to understanding PLM organisational objectives and aligning these with the relevant technology. Central to BAE Systems Naval Ships PLM approach is the Integrated Bill of Materials (iBoM) which is a critical enabler for the organisations transformational objectives. The implementation of the iBoM will be used to develop a framework for implementing PLM to ensure that the technology supports the business objectives of ETO product development, i.e. the integration of business and technology architectures

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in design studies: Methodological considerations, challenges, and recommendations

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) enables identification of the brain regions and networks underpinning cognitive tasks. It has the potential to significantly advance cognitive design science, but is challenging to apply in design studies and methodological guidance for design researchers is lacking. In this Research Note, we reflect on our experiences and other work to outline the activities involved in developing and executing fMRI design studies. The implications for research quality at each stage are highlighted. We then consider the challenges for fMRI research on design and make recommendations for addressing them. Four critical areas are identified: establishing experimental protocols; establishing a cognitive design ontology; generating foundational knowledge about brain activation; and balancing fMRI constraints against ecological validity