The Concept Maturity Framework

Abstract

This paper describes an approach for evaluating progress in systems engineering that is called the Concept Maturity Framework. This approach addresses limitations of existing methods (such as Technology Readiness Levels) by requiring documentation for what development activities have been done, the context for those activities, and the results of those activities. The approach fills current needs for concept development and technology transfer in the United States Federal Aviation Administration. Values from the field of human factors influenced how we created the approach. In addition, application of the framework highlighted some challenges and constraints in applying human factors values in the context of designing large systems within large organizations.