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This paper presents a design model that allows concurrent engineering to be put into a conceptual framework and suggests a design methodology for that framework Distributed design methodology is based upon a modular approach where modules are connected in a network and where communication plays the main role allowing the product to emerge Each module needs its own tools, some of them already exist but others have to be built in a new point of view The design solution results from decisions which are made by all the modules in a distributed way An example from a design experiment introduces the discussion of the model and outlines the information exchanged The validity of this design model is also proved by this experiment

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The successful application of concurrent engineering in industry should be based on the effective organization of different activities, from design to marketing. However the dynamics of the environment has raised the following question: what model can be applied for concurrent engineering? This paper presents three models for concurrent engineering organizations. The models are based on the concept of autonomous design units, which are formed using the fractals characteristics: self-similarity, self-organization, and dynamic. These models allow one to reorganize the design process and to understand the dynamics of the concurrent engineering organization. The application taken from the French automotive industry shows the characteristics of these models.

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