K-Model - Structured Design of Configuration Models

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the novel knowledge acquisition methodology K-Model. We describe the methodology itself and how it was applied within a project for creating a prototype configuration application at J. Schmalz GmbH. K-Model is supporting both the formalism of designing configuration models on a conceptual level as well as the method to actually implement these models. Based on the experience that configuration knowledge is tacit and distributed within the heads of several product experts’, the methodology is focusing on crossdepartment communication about future goals of the configuration application. The visualization facilities of standard mind maps help them to achieve a common agreement and to focus on the product domain rather than on knowledge representation formalisms. The methodology was successfully used in the project to set up a configuration prototype for complex products in the area of vacuum technology.