The interaction of time and cost constraints on the design process

Abstract

This paper reports an experimental study investigating the influence of both 'external' and 'task inherent' constraints on simple design tasks. Subjects were required to complete each of 3 tasks in one of 4 conditions. The conditions comprised a control condition (no time or cost constraints imposed), a time constrained condition, a cost constrained condition and a time and cost constrained condition. The tasks required subjects to build structures predominantly from sheets of A4. For example, task one required subjects to 'create a self supporting structure, which has a minimum height of 19 cm.' The pattern of results showed that the constraints of time and cost affected the design process both independently and in combination. In addition, the range of designs, completion times, and design costs were all affected differentially. © 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.