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Concept design is an early and crucial phase in product development where the general concept of a product is created. In this stage, various aspects of the product are considered, such as usability and technical performance, among others. Product design and development are currently a well-established area of knowledge, and academia is increasingly including its fundamentals in regular curricula, especially in the areas of engineering, design, and marketing. At the same time, industrial players recognize the potential of the method for i. responding successfully to market uncertainty and speed; ii. improving the knowledge available and the systematization of creative processes; and iii. ensuring that the decision process is explicit and well documented. Nevertheless, only a few studies demonstrating the concept design procedure in detail are available in the literature. In this paper, we thus present a detailed case study concerning the design of portable thermal slippers, so as to demonstrate the application of structured procedures and systematic approaches to concept design, and providing a pedagogical review of methods and tools to support the analysis and decisions along the several steps of the concept design procedure. The particular case study here addressed resulted from the collaboration between an academic institution and a company operating in the home footwear industry, with the design team including elements from both sides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal conceptual design synthesis is the very starting and key phase in the product design. Its result is the optimal alternative in the solution space, and will be further completed and improved into the final product design scheme in the next detailed design works. With the progress of the Internet technology, a large number of design resources actually construct an increasingly growing distributed resource environment. If these rich resources can be fully introduced into the optimal conceptual design synthesis, the design efficiency and product innovation will be promoted largely. Therefore, a computational approach was proposed for the optimal conceptual design synthesis based on the distributed resource environment. In this approach, the distributed resource environment is modelled as a set of numerous functional units (FUs), and the optimal conceptual design synthesis is concluded into a process of generating the optimal objective FU chain. Here, the main workload is completed by a proposed computer algorithm. To prove the feasibility of this approach, a computer programme called Optimal Conceptual Design Synthesis System (OCDSS) was established. A garbage-powered lighting system was designed with OCDSS as an illustration. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Concept design is an early and crucial phase in product development where the general concept of a product is created. In this stage, various aspects of the product are considered, such as usability and technical performance, among others. Product design and development are currently a well-established area of knowledge, and academia is increasingly including its fundamentals in regular curricula, especially in the areas of engineering, design, and marketing. At the same time, industrial players recognize the potential of the method for i. responding successfully to market uncertainty and speed; ii. improving the knowledge available and the systematization of creative processes; and iii. ensuring that the decision process is explicit and well documented. Nevertheless, only a few studies demonstrating the concept design procedure in detail are available in the literature. In this paper, we thus present a detailed case study concerning the design of portable thermal slippers, so as to demonstrate the application of structured procedures and systematic approaches to concept design, and providing a pedagogical review of methods and tools to support the analysis and decisions along the several steps of the concept design procedure. The particular case study here addressed resulted from the collaboration between an academic institution and a company operating in the home footwear industry, with the design team including elements from both sides.

Amplifying Bernard Williams' critique of the Nietzschean project of a revaluation of values, this paper mounts a critique of the idea that whether values will help us to live can serve as a criterion for choosing which values to live by. I explore why it might not serve as a criterion and highlight a number of further difficulties faced by the Nietzschean project. I then come to Nietzsche's defence, arguing that if we distinguish valuations from values, there is at least one form of the project which overcomes those difficulties. Finally, however, I show that even on this reading, the project must either fall prey to 'Saint-Just's illusion' or fall back into the problems it was supposed to escape. This highlights important difficulties faced by the Nietzschean project and its descendants while also explaining why Williams, who was so Nietzschean in other respects, remained wary of the revaluation of values as a project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Interactions among software and hardware components play an important role in successful operation of a system. Researchers have identified two types of interaction failures: software failure influenced by hardware breakdown (hardware-driven software failure) and hardware failure influenced by software malfunction (software-driven hardware failure). The existing research in this domain either has not considered the entire spectrum of interaction failures or limited their work to mere failure analysis rather than reliability/availability modeling. In this paper, we are proposing a unified model to predict the worst case achievable reliability/availability of hardware-software combined system at early design phases. The proposed model identifies system functions from the requirements specification document. Then, these functions are mapped to corresponding conceptual design components. Subsequently, the functional design is simulated for sets of input data that have been randomly generated for different operation modes (failure/working) of the components. We also simulate system state transition due to the component operation modes. Finally, reliability and availability is predicted from simulation results. In this context, we address four important aspects: i) proposing a conceptual design based early reliability/availability prediction model, ii) apart from individual hardware-software component failure, the proposed model addresses different interaction failures such as, hardware-driven software and software-driven hardware failures, iii) implementing the proposed model through a case study, and iv) validating the model by comparing the obtained reliability/availability value using the proposed approach with an established method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conceptual design synthesis is the core and starting phase of the design process. During this phase, the designers should deal with a large number of design resources to construct conceptual systems which meet the functional requirement. Therefore, a conceptual design synthesis approach based on series-parallel function unit structure is proposed as an assistant tool for the designers. This approach can help the designers completing the conceptual design synthesis of simple design missions or elementary functional modules of complex design missions with series-parallel-structured synthesis results. A corresponding computer programme is established as an implementation, and the conceptual design synthesis of the mechanical part of a friction-abrasion testing machine is completed with this programme to prove the practicability of this proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central to many text analysis methods is the notion of a concept: a set of semantically related keywords characterizing a specific object, phenomenon, or theme. Advances in word embedding allow building a concept from a small set of seed terms. However, naive application of such techniques may result in false positive errors because of the polysemy of natural language. To mitigate this problem, we present a visual analytics system called ConceptVector that guides a user in building such concepts and then using them to analyze documents. Document-analysis case studies with real-world datasets demonstrate the fine-grained analysis provided by ConceptVector. To support the elaborate modeling of concepts, we introduce a bipolar concept model and support for specifying irrelevant words. We validate the interactive lexicon building interface by a user study and expert reviews. Quantitative evaluation shows that the bipolar lexicon generated with our methods is comparable to human-generated ones. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This research aims to understand the significance of biological-analogies in fostering novelty by comparing biological-analogies with other design methods for idea generation. Among other design methods, brainstorming was chosen here as benchmark. Four studies were conducted to compare: (i) the levels of abstraction at which concepts were ideated using biological inspiration (represented using biocards) with that using traditional brainstorming; and (ii) the novelty of concepts produced by using these two design methods. Concepts produced in these studies were evaluated for levels of abstraction at which they were ideated, average novelty, and proportion of high-novelty concepts. Results suggest that concepts generated using biocards were ideated at higher abstraction levels than those using brainstorming, but neither were at the highest abstraction levels. The average novelty of concepts produced using biocards was found to be greater than that using brainstorming; however, no statistically significant difference was found in the proportion of high-novelty concepts. We suspect the lack of biological knowledge and cultural difference among the subjects involved in our studies as the two reasons behind the results. The results demonstrate that the design methods substantially influence the novelty of concepts generated, while indicating the need for better training in effective use of biological-analogies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A function-based keyword search is a concept generation methodology studied in the bioinspired design area that conveys textual biological inspiration for engineering design. Current keyword search methods are inefficient primarily due to the knowledge gap between engineering and biology domains. To improve current keyword search methods, we propose an algorithm that extracts and organizes morphology-based solutions from biological text. WordNet is utilized to discover morphological solutions in biological text. The novel algorithm also adapts latent semantic analysis and the expectation–maximization algorithm to categorize morphological solutions and group biological text. We introduce a novel penalty function that reflects the distance between functions (problems) and morphologies (solutions). The penalty function allows the algorithm to extract morphological solutions directly related to a design problem. We compare the output of the algorithm to manually extracted solutions for validation. A case study is included to exemplify the utility of the developed algorithm. Upon implementation of the algorithm, engineering designers can discover innovative solutions in biological text in a straightforward, efficient manner. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As underlined in Arthur's book 'the nature of technology', we are very knowledgeable on the design of objects, services or technical systems, but we don't know much on the dynamics of technologies. Still contemporary innovation often consists in designing techniques with systemic impact. They are pervasive-both invasive and perturbing-and they recompose the family of techniques. Can we model the impact and the design of such techniques? More specifically: how can one design generic technology, i.e. a single technology that provokes a complete reordering of families of techniques? Advances in design theories open new possibilities to answer these questions. In this paper, we use C-K design theory and a matroid-based model of the set of techniques to propose a new model (C-K/Ma) of the dynamics of techniques, accounting for the design of generic technologies. We show that: (1) C-K/Ma accounts for basic phenomena in the design of pervasive (and non-pervasive) techniques, in particular for generic techniques. (2) C-K/Ma, when applied iteratively, helps to propose new laws for the dynamics of techniques and helps to build strategic alternatives in the design of techniques. Moreover, C-K/Ma contributes to design theory since it provides some basic quantifiers and operations that could lead to a computational model of the process of designing techniques with systemic impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a site-specific traffic load model for long-span multi-pylon cable-stayed bridge. Structural effects are primarily investigated based on influence lines, which are identified as either global effect (GE) or partial effect (PE) depending on the effective influenced region. GEs are further categorised as sensitive effect (SE), insensitive effect (ISE) or less sensitive effect (LSE), considering sensitivity to unbalanced traffic loading. Three on-bridge traffic states are simulated, and Weibull extrapolations are utilised to predict the extreme responses. These responses are analysed and compared with several design codes. Results indicate the maximum response is only 75% of the value calculated based on the design code of China (D60), and even lower than other codes. The responses show strong positive correlation with traffic parameters of annual average daily traffic volume and heavy vehicle proportion, and the on-bridge traffic states have significant influence on the responses. Further, the identified effects of ISE, SE and LSE present different responses, which indicate specific load models are needed accordingly. Finally, a site-specific traffic load model consisting of load form, loading pattern, multi-lane factor and load value is recommended, which gives an accurate illustration on the structural effects and traffic responses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The design process of a bridge can be divided into four basic stages: conceptual design, preliminary design, detailed design and construction design. The purpose of the conceptual design is to come up with various feasible bridge schemes and to decide on one or more final concepts for further consideration. The purpose of the preliminary design is to select the best scheme from these proposed concepts and then to ascertain the feasibility of the selected concept and finally to refine its cost estimates. The purpose of the detailed design is to finalise all the details of the bridge structure so that the document is sufficient for tendering and construction. Finally, the purpose of the construction design is to provide step-by-step procedures for the building of the bridge. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses on the operational challenges faced by biosimilar development. Topics mentioned include the specific regulatory requirements, the lack of understanding on the biosimilarity concept among patients and physicians, and the difficulty in obtaining certificate of analysis (CoA) for commercial reference product supplies.

In modern warfare, anti-vehicular mine attack is a critical parameter in the design of an armored personnel vehicle. In order to acquire vital engineering data such as shock, load and pressure of these vehicles under extreme condition, a suitable data acquisition system (DAQ) is required. Conventional wired transmission provides a secure and faster connectivity but is limited in its operation distance and creates unwanted noise. Wireless transmission offers greater flexibility and robustness whereby data can be transmitted and received at equivalent high speed rate as offered in conventional wired transmission. In this paper, a conceptual design of wireless DAQ system is proposed for blast testing in accordance to NATO AEP-55 Procedure. The Wi-Fi with IEEE 802.11n protocol was employed along with a selection of sensors, instrumentation hardware and instrumented anthropometric test dummy (ATD) in order to suit to the test requirements. The challenge here is to design a wireless system which will acquire the data remotely prior to signal conditioning and in real-time. Although real-time DAQ strategies have been adequately explored, challenges of implementing a cost effective higher throughput of data that matched with specific requirements of the sensors within very tight timing window still remain due to the reliability issue related to the wireless approach. The conceptual design can be a useful reference in future development of a cost efficient measurement tools for evaluating the protection level of armored vehicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

System codes are commonly employed for the analysis and conceptual design of fusion reactors. For the helical-axis advanced stellarator (HELIAS) line, a new set of system code models have been developed to account for the stellarator-specific 3-D aspects. The models have recently been implemented in the systems code PROCESS and verified with respect to different test cases. After having established confidence in the stellarator models, system studies were carried out for the five-field-period HELIAS case to define the accessible reactor design window. In the multidimensional physics and engineering parameter space, sensitivity studies are carried out for the reactor regime to ascertain tradeoffs between different parameters and costs. Exemplary design points are analyzed in more detail using the plasma operation contour approach, which, for example, can be used to determine the optimum start-up path to ignition. Finally, with a common set of nondevice-specific models, the PROCESS framework allows a direct comparison of tokamaks and stellarators. Although the five-period HELIAS is a larger machine in terms of major radius, the required mass for both concepts is comparable leading to similar construction costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT This paper describes an approach that leverages computer simulation models and statistical experimental designs for exploration studies during the early conceptual design of a system. We apply the approach to a naval ship design problem and demonstrate how we can illuminate trade decisions among multiple design decisions and evaluation measures using a dynamic dashboard. After performing experimental designs on a collection of simulation models, we can fit statistical models that act as surrogates to these simulations. These surrogate models allow us to explore a wider variety of system alternatives rather than fixating on a narrow set of alternatives. The purpose of the approach is to simultaneously explore the operational and physical domains using statistical surrogate models in order to illuminate trade decisions between the system's operational effectiveness and physical design considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synchronous reluctance machines are very appealing for high speed traction motor design due to their robustness, simple structure, absence of magnets, and simple control. The absence of magnets means that synchronous reluctance (SynRel) machines are not susceptible to price variability and sustainability of rare-earth materials. Moreover, there are no concerns about demagnetisation or uncontrolled generation mode. However, the challenge of achieving a good constant power to speed ratio is dependent on the mechanical aspects of the design. Conventional SynRel designs perform poorly compared with the permanent magnet machines due to the presence of bridges and/or centre posts in absence of the magnets to help saturate these regions. In this case, the challenge of rotor mechanical retention is addressed with the help of a sleeve on the rotor to reduce the need for bridges and/or centre posts. Design optimisation including the mechanical aspects of the sleeve is presented in this study. The final design with a sleeve will be shown to be superior to a conventional design in terms of power density, rotor losses, saliency and torque ripple. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early design is crucial for the success of the final product. In the conceptual design phase, several constraints, criteria, objectives and disciplines have to be considered. To this aim, multidisciplinary optimization has proven effective for the solution of engineering design problems, even in the industrial every-day practice, to improve and simplify the work of designers in a successful quest of the best compromise solution. In this paper, a multicriteria decision-making (MCDM)-based design platform for early optimal design of industrial components is proposed. In a group decision-making context, the selection of the most suitable component among several possible layouts is performed by means of a group Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution approach. Hence, a multi-objective optimization is performed on the selected component by applying a multi-objective particle swarm optimization for finding optimal component dimensions. An industrial case study is presented for showing the efficiency of the multicriteria decision-making-based design platform, regarding an innovative and low-cost solution to increase the duration of heel tips in women's shoes. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study stealth strike-fighter, an analysis on stealth-aerodynamic integration and conceptual design is conducted. A conceptual 3-D digital model with internal antiship missiles and air-to-air missiles is designed in CATIA software. Based on the physical optics and equivalent electromagnetic current methods, using the self-programmed RCSAnsys software, the Radar Cross Section (RCS) characteristics and characteristics of scattering intensity distribution of the model are numerically simulated. Based on the turbulence theory of standard k-ε equations, using Fluent software, the pressure, velocity and lift-to-drag characteristics of the conceptual aircraft are numerically simulated. The simulation results show that the stealth and aerodynamic characteristics of the conceptual aircraft can be designed through integration analysis process, which can provide technical support to the design of the advanced operational aircrafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is a review of the current state of the problem of the development and manufacturing of fuel cells (FCs). The technical features of FCs that are promising for the use of methane as a fuel are considered. The physico-chemical characteristics of the materials for the basic FC components applicable for the use of methane are analyzed. In this review, information on the FCs developed, their electrophysical characteristics, and production technologies is presented. The basic problems that occur during the operation of FCs are described. Promising trends for the development of methane-based FCs are discussed and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of qualitative eco-evaluation methods for product concept eco-evaluation is explored in a case study where mechanical engineers performed an eco-evaluation of product concepts in a two-stage evaluation process. In the first stage of the case study, the evaluators were asked to evaluate the environmental friendliness of the product concepts and to rank the concepts accordingly. The obtained rankings were based upon subjective preferences of the evaluators and their subjective interpretation of the eco-value of the considered concepts. In the second stage of the case study, the evaluators eco-evaluated the same concepts, but this time they used ecodesign guidelines as eco-criteria. The evaluators have obtained different rankings of the concepts, so the results of the two sets of rankings are compared. Findings are analysed in the context of confounding variables of the case study design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-robotics is introduced for the nuclear industry for radiation treatment as a complete cure of cancer because it leads to the removal of cancerous cells. In order to ensure the reliability of treatment, one needs to control the radiation behavior of the therapy. The omni-directional cancer treatment program (OCTP) is suggested for the therapy planning in which all cancerous cells are killed without damage to normal cells. This is one of the most important issues in the conventional radiation therapy planning. The clinical cancer therapy planning is performed by nanorobots. The tiny machine treats the cancer cells effectively. The collision event occurs approximately over 35 nm. Therefore, if the diameter of tumor is 1 cm, the curable length is about 5 nm. Thus, one movement of nanorobot radiates about 10 nm in two dimensional planning. The example organ in this study is the breast. Nanorobots enter from the upper side of breast and exit from the lower side of the breast in the clinical example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study postulated a commercial pyroprocess facility (KAPF+: Korea Advanced Pyroprocess Facility Plus) with a processing capacity of 400 tons/year as a cost object, and utilized an engineering cost estimation method based on a conceptual design to present the results of the total cost and unit cost estimation. According to the calculation results, the total cost and unit cost were calculated with k$779,386 and $781/kgHM, respectively. Moreover, the key cost driver was manifested as the operating and maintenance costs. In particular, equipment replacement cost was identified as an important cost driver. In addition, for an increasingly accurate cost estimation, the calculation results and allocation method of the indirect cost were reanalyzed. Finally the pyroprocess unit cost increased $5 when calculated the indirect cost using the labor time as the allocation standard. Meanwhile, the pyroprocess unit cost increased $22 as a result of allocating the indirect cost using the uniform labor cost as the cost allocation standard. Accordingly, an indirect cost allocation standard was manifested as the factor that exerts a significant effect on the pyroprocess unit cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the need to consider both quantitative performance goals and qualitative requirements in conceptual design. A new computational approach for design space exploration is proposed that extends existing interactive evolutionary algorithms for increased inclusion of designer preferences, overcoming the weaknesses of traditional optimization that have limited its use in practice. This approach allows designers to set the evolutionary parameters of mutation rate and generation size, in addition to parent selection, in order to steer design space exploration. This paper demonstrates the potential of this approach through a numerical parametric study, a software implementation, and series of case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major features of product-service systems (PSS) design is a variety of design elements. This makes its design process complex and obscure. This study aims to develop a method for analysing how the design process influences the features of design solutions in the conceptual design of PSS. In this study, protocol analysis is applied to plural PSS design sessions. Simultaneously, their design solutions are evaluated relatively based on several aspects. Their design processes are analysed in connection with the above evaluation results. The findings obtained by using the proposed method will contribute to creating practical design guidelines for superior PSS development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conceptual design involves coevolution of decisions between functional and physical domains. Different methods prescribe different processes to achieve coevolution, hence are suitable for different kinds of design practices. Analytical Target Cascading (ATC) features successive decompositions followed by coordinated optimizations to improve existing systems. Axiomatic Design Theory (ADT) follows a back-and-forth zigzagging process to create completely new systems. A new coevolution process, which is a hybrid between ATC and ADT, is developed from our Innovative Design thinking (IDT) research. This paper explains its theoretical underpinnings and illustrates its suitability for practices between the two extremes, e.g., innovative design on existing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the relationship between measures within Hofstede's cultural framework and performance in concept design by setting out a methodology for evaluating the conceptual design output of student design teams from a cultural perspective. Economic globalization has meant that the management of global teams has become of strategic importance in product development. cultural diversity is a key factor in such teams, and this work seeks to better understand the effect this can have on two key aspects of the concept design process: concept generation and concept selection. three different measures were utilized in the analysis of a design study: aggregate cultural values, calculated individual cultural values and personality traits. the effectiveness of these is reviewed, and a methodology presented that provides a basis for more tangible consideration of how culture impacts upon active concept design teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a method for defining a coordinate system to parameterize a sampled Pareto frontier of a continuous multi-attribute design problem using a modified self-organizing map. By defining such a coordinate system, the design problem may be reformulated from y = f (x) to (y,x) = g(ψ), where x is a vector of design variables, y is a vector of attributes, and ψ is a vector of barycentric coordinates. Exploration of the design problem using yr as the independent variables has the following desirable properties: 1) Every vector yr corresponds to a Pareto efficient design, and every Pareto efficient design has a corresponding ψ. 2) The number of ψ coordinates is equal to the number of attributes, regardless of the number of design variables. 3) Each attribute yi has a corresponding coordinate ψ, such that the sign of ∂yi/∂ψi is positive if the objective is to maximize y, and negative if the objective is to minimize yi (i.e., the attributes improve monotonically as their corresponding coordinates increase). This approach, named the "Pareto simplex self-organizing map" is easily implemented as a postprocessing step to sampling a Pareto frontier with multi-objective optimization. The construction of the coordinates and their use in design space exploration is demonstrated on a conceptual wing design problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seismic conceptual design is an essential part of seismic design codes. It points out that the term 'seismic conceptual design' should imply three aspects, i.e., the given concept itself, the specific provisions related to the given concept and the designing following the provisions. Seismic conceptual design can be classified into two categories: the strict or traditional seismic conceptual design and the generalized seismic conceptual design. The authors are trying to define for both conceptual designs their connotations and study their characteristics, in particular, the differences between them. Authors emphasize that both conceptual designs sound very close, however, their differences are apparent. The strict conceptual designs are usually worked out directly from engineering practice and/or lessons learnt from earthquake damage, while the generalized conceptual designs are resulted in a series of visions aiming to realize the general objectives of the seismic codes. The strict conceptual designs, (traditional conceptual designs) are indispensable elements of seismic codes in assuring designed structures safer and the generalized conceptual designs are playing key roles in directing to a more advanced and effective seismic codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Concept generation involves both analysis and synthesis activities interchangeably. In current practice, these two activities are often loosely defined and randomly performed. This paper presents a new method, called the Analysis Synthesis Alternation (ASA) approach, which treats concept generation as a proposition-making process and adapts the formal logic definitions of analytic and synthetic propositions to generate new concepts via two stages: ideation and validation. Both stages involve systemic alternations between analytic and synthetic propositions, but the alterations are performed in reverse reasoning directions. Experiment shows that ASA outperforms traditional brainstorming technique in both novelty and functionality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the last years, a modern interest in the conception of products is to use parametric modeling of their parts and assemblies applying a modern and complex CAD system. The engineer is able to consider a wide choice of possible variants in the early design phases. These CAD systems have PLM support, offering a competitive and intuitive working environment in which the product's model is conceived. Using the 3D geometric modeling capabilities, the engineer creates models, by operations applied to the product's parts. The 3D CAD model of the product is completed by mathematical description, parameters and constraints. These conditions imposed in the design phase will modify and influence the product conception in any modeling phase. The resulted solution can be tested in various ways to prove its correctitude. Some theoretical aspects about the design process of the mechanical products in a modem parametric manner are presented in this paper including two case studies for gear pumps. These parameterizations offer many possibilities in obtaining assemblies and families of parts using the CATIA v5 software. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a first step towards a strategy for using living labs as a means to foster innovation and develop new concepts of sustainable living from an architectural point of view. The overall aim is to enable truly sustainable living through radically reduced energy and resource use thus addressing both environmental and social aspects of sustainability. Earlier research has shown that contemporary housing developments, including those with a sustainable profile, do not profoundly question modern lifestyles and consumption, which is a necessity to overcome limitations of a technological focus on environmental efficiency in construction. Thus, we see an opportunity for the discipline of architecture to engage in current investments in living lab facilities in order to push innovation in the field of sustainable housing. We introduce the concept of a "Habitation Lab", which will provide an arena for radical and high-risk design experimentation between users, building-sector actors, and academia, and we describe a case study of a planned Habitation Lab within a living lab facility where traditional solutions for daily living and habitation are questioned and new architectural innovations are explored and evaluated. The idea of using experimental activities in the field of housing is not new, and we argue that new investments should build on earlier experiences to avoid perpetuating misconceptions and repeating past failures. Furthermore, to ensure the dissemination and uptake of results, the design of the Habitation Lab should consider the innovation and learning trajectories of the building sector. We propose a transdisciplinary setting to provide a neutral arena for value creation and to increase the distribution of experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Space science missions are increasingly challenged today: in ambition, by increasingly sophisticated hypotheses tested; in development, by the increasing complexity of advanced technologies; in budgeting, by the decline of flagship-class mission opportunities; in management, by expectations for breakthrough science despite a risk-averse programmatic climate; and in planning, by increasing competition for scarce resources. How are the space-science missions of tomorrow being formulated? The paper describes the JPL Innovation Foundry, created in 2011, to respond to this evolving context. The Foundry integrates methods, tools, and experts that span the mission concept lifecycle. Grounded in JPL's heritage of missions, flight instruments, mission proposals, and concept innovation, the Foundry seeks to provide continuity of support and cost-effective, on-call access to the right domain experts at the right time, as science definition teams and Principal Investigators mature mission ideas from “cocktail napkin” to PDR. The Foundry blends JPL capabilities in proposal development and concurrent engineering, including Team X, with new approaches for open-ended concept exploration in earlier, cost-constrained phases, and with ongoing research and technology projects. It applies complexity and cost models, project-formulation lessons learned, and strategy analyses appropriate to each level of concept maturity. The Foundry is organizationally integrated with JPL formulation program offices; staffed by JPL's line organizations for engineering, science, and costing; and overseen by senior Laboratory leaders to assure experienced coordination and review. Incubation of each concept is tailored depending on its maturity and proposal history, and its highest-leverage modeling and analysis needs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]