A Knowledge Level Theory of Design and Engineering
Rüdiger Klein · 1998
Design and engineering are knowledge intensive processes. Large amounts of different types of knowledge are needed in real world applications. Using this knowledge in the design and engineering process will be essential for the success of new information technologies like internet/intranet, concurrent engineering, or virtual product design. An essential pre-requisite for the usage of this knowledge is an adequate framework which describes the role or roles each ‘piece’ of knowledge has to play in the overall context. This framework is provided by a knowledge level theory of design. In this paper we outline the essential elements of such a theory. Based on the main categories of knowledge relevant in the design process the roles these categories play and how they interact will be described in a general way.