Chapter 1: Introduction
Product Design and Development
Fourth Edition
by Karl T. Ulrich and Steven D. Eppinger
Goals of Book and Course
• Examine structured approaches to product
design and development (e.g. functional
decomposition, set-based design, …)
• Develop the knowledge and tools to be able to
work successfully on cross functional teams
(e.g. identify customer needs, intellectual
property, economic decision making, …)
Bias of the Book
• Assumes a For-Profit enterprise
• Considers primarily Discrete Goods (printers,
and power drills rather than plastic film)
• Considers primarily Physical Products rather
than engineering services or software.
Bias of the Teacher
SMIU Rules for Good Design
• Does not hurt anyone
• Makes money
• Works OK
Excellent Design
• Enhances lives
• Makes tons of money
• Delights the user
Role of Structured Methods
• Creativity vs. Recipe in design
• Creativity vs. Recipe in product development
process
Effect of Organization
• The organization or structure of design teams
can significantly affect your life and the
company.