Multi-attribute utility analysis in set-based conceptual design

• Published in: Computer aided design 2009-03, Vol.41 (3), p.214-227
• Main Authors: Malak, Richard J., Aughenbaugh, Jason Matthew, Paredis, Christiaan J.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Concept evaluation; Decision-based design; Descriptions; Design engineering; Mathematical models; Multi-attribute utility theory; Power transmission; Representations; Set-based design; Specifications; Uncertainty in design; Utilities
• ISSN: 0010-4485; 1879-2685
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cad.2008.06.004

During conceptual design, engineers deal with incomplete product descriptions called design concepts. Engineers must compare these concepts in order to move towards the more desirable designs. However, comparisons are difficult because a single concept associates with numerous possible final design specifications, and any meaningful comparison of concepts must consider this range of possibilities. Consequently, the performance of a concept can only be characterized imprecisely. While standard multi-attribute utility theory is an accepted framework for making preference-based decisions between precisely characterized alternatives, it does not directly accommodate the analysis of imprecisely characterized alternatives. By extending uncertainty representations to model imprecision explicitly, it is possible to apply the principles of utility theory to such problems. However, this can lead to situations of indeterminacy, meaning that the decision maker is unable to identify a single concept as the most preferred. Under a set-based perspective and approach to design, a designer can work towards a single solution systematically despite indecision arising from imprecise characterizations of design concepts. Existing work in set-based design primarily focuses on feasibility conditions and single-attribute objectives, which are insufficient for most design problems. In this article, we combine the framework of multi-attribute utility theory, the perspective of set-based design, and the explicit mathematical representation of imprecision into a single approach to conceptual design. Each of the component theories is discussed, and their combined application developed. The approach is illustrated using the conceptual design of a fixed-ratio power transmission as an example. Additionally, important directions for future research are identified, with a particular focus on the process of modeling abstract design concepts.