Interdisciplinary Product Development: Definition, Realisation and Validation of Product Concepts

Abstract

"Project-based Education (PBE)",This course is offered by the Design and Technology Lab Zurich, a platform where students from the disciplines industrial design (ZHdK) and mechanical engineering (ETH) can learn, meet and perform projects together. In interdisciplinary teams, students develop a product using early-stage development methods.

Objective

This interdisciplinary course has the following learning objectives: - to learn and apply methods of the early stages of product development from both fields: mechanical engineering and industrial design - to use iterative and prototyping-based development (different types of prototypes and test scenarios) - to run through a development process from product definition to final prototype and understand the mechanisms behind it - to experience collaboration with the other discipline and learn how to approach and deal with any appearing challenge - to understand and experience consequences which may result of decision taken within the development process

Content

At the end of the course each team should present an innovative product concept which convinces from both, the technical as well as the design perspective. The product concept should be presented as functioning prototype. The learning objectives will be reached with the following repeating cycle: 1) input lectures The relevant theoretical basics will be taught in short lectures by different lecturers from both disciplines, mechanical engineering an industrial design. The focus is laid on methods, processes and principles of product development. 2) team development The students work on their projects individually and apply the taught methods. At the same time, they will be coached and supported by mentors to pass through the product development process successfully. 3) presentation Important milestones are presented and discussed during the course, thus allowing teams to learn from each other. 4) reflection The students deepen their understanding of the new knowledge and learn from failures. This is especially important if different disciplines work together and use methods from both fields.

Resources