A Three-Dimensional Model for System Design Evolution

We represent the life cycle of the design of a system in a three-dimensional space with engineering, reengineering, and reuse axes. The three-dimensional model is evolution-oriented. It incorporates not only the evolution that occurs after the product has been produced and delivered, but also three types of system design evolution that take place before the product is produced. Associated with each axis are a mathematical operator and its inverse. These operators, together with their inverses, can describe the various systems engineering activities. The model can be used to describe the life cycle of a product line, the evolution of an individual product within that product line, and even the evolution of an individual artifact. The model can be used in conjunction with any life-cycle model and any set of artifacts. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 5, 264–273, 2002