Design Communication Using a Variation of the Design Structure Matrix

As reported in earlier work, the authors have constructed a mechanism for structuring design communications at a leading American automobile maker using a variation of the Design Structure Matrix (DSM). This paper provides a formal process to create similar matrices and outlines a mechanism for keeping participants updated on the design status. The original work was carried out in collaboration with, and implemented at, a major American automobile manufacturer. The new work reported herein is a prototype which has as yet to be implemented in an industrial setting.