Applying Augmented Reality to the Concept Development Stage of the Total Design Methodology

Abstract

Abstract. This paper suggests an approach to assist the identification of suitable areas of application of AR within the product design process. The approach utilizes an established methodology for product design development that allows each stage in the design process to be identified and considered in a logical and structured manner. By doing this we can consider the suitability for AR at each stage as opposed to the use of hand drawings, basic computer aided design, virtual reality, or rapid prototyping techniques and suchlike to produce physical models. As an example of this we consider the concept design stage of the product design process and conduct some preliminary experiments in the use of AR to facilitate the activity. Keywords:Augmented reality, product design, total design, concept design, industrial design. IntroductionIt is apparent that within the realm of product design and manufacture there is an ongoing need to reduce the time from the identification of a market need for a product and the satisfaction of that need in the form of a finished product that meets the customer"s requirements. Over the past few decades an important method of meeting this need has been the implementation of the concept of Concurrent Engineering -this is an attempt to consider in an integrated and parallel manner, product design, development, manufacture, delivery, maintenance, and end of product life considerations. This approach has been employed by many major manufacturing companies and utilizes multidisciplinary teams comprised of, for example, component suppliers, product design and manufacturing engineers, purchasing personnel, and customers. Efficient and unambiguous communication of ideas is essential throughout this activity and we consider here how this can be facilitated by the use of Augmented Reality.As an essential part of this process it is clearly necessary to design the product in a rational manner and a number of methodologies have been developed in order to achieve this. One of these is "Total Design" developed by Pugh [1] and defined as "The systematic activity necessary, from the identification of the market /user need, to the selling of the successful product to satisfy that need -an activity that encompasses product, process, people and organization." The elements of this methodology are summarized here and used as a vehicle for identifying specific aspects of the design process where AR could be usefully employed. We show that not only is the use of AR beneficial for the product designer but also for improving communication with the final customer and others involved in the integrated concurrent engineering exercise of new product innovation. 2Total Design