Methods of Product Development

The main goal of the lecture is to teach working and problem solving methods for the successful development of products. Starting with different procedure models (e.g. V-Model, Munich Procedure Model) the focus of the lecture lies on task clarification, solution identification (intuitive and systematic) as well as the evaluation of alternatives and the selection of solutions. In addition, modern approaches to technical product development are introduced, such as Agile Development and Cooperative Design.

You understand the key steps which are necessary for the development of products.
You are able to apply different procedural models, basic design principles and efficient and effective methods for the development of products.
You are able to plan, design, analyze, evaluate and improve products.
You know the main requirements, boundary conditions and influencing factors which can appear during product development.
You are able to transfer the learned knowledge (procedural models, methods etc.) on to other problems.

The knowledge of "Produktentwicklung und Konstruktion" is recommended.

The lecture's content will be transmitted by presentations and exercises. The presentations explain different methods and illustrate them by examples from industrial practice. The exercises serve to apply the methods on other examples. The results of the exercises are discussed between lecturers and audience. For this purpose, interactive methods and tools are used (e.g. online feedback). The use of examples from different areas support the transfer of knowledge on different product development tasks.

presentations and exercises

Pahl, G.; Beitz, W. Engineering design - a systematic approach. London: Springer (2013) (3rd ed.);
Cross, N. Engineering design methods, Chichester: Wiley (2008). Ulrich, K., Eppinger, S. Product Design and Development, New York: McGrawHill (2016); Lindemann, U.: Methodische Entwicklung technischer Produkte. Berlin: Springer 2007 (2nd ed.).

In a 90-minute written exam, students should prove that they are able to choose and conduct appropriate target-oriented product development methods. Furthermore, they have to answer questions concerning the methods and concepts learned during the lectures. Moreover, the functions and characteristics of these methods and concepts have to be explained, definitions have to be repeated and the lessons learned have to be utilized and tested under different situations. No additional material is allowed.