Rationalization Process for Industrial Production: Centres of Design Excellence and Prototyping

Abstract

This article proposes a rationalization process of industrial production of consumer products with the structure of a possible solution. Moreover, its advantages are discussed. The application of a double filter to industrialize products is proposed. The filter would consist in an initial evaluation of innovation quality and design improvement, followed by an assessment of design excellence and production viability from the social point of view by an international entity. Centres of Design Excellence and Prototyping (CDEP) would not be related to manufacturing companies, which would compete to come up with the best design candidates for fabrication. Moreover, designers would have free design direction and a socially recognized status. This article also lists several doctoral theses and other research works on the enhancement of conceptual design and manufacturing processes of innovative products developed in UPC (Barcelona), within the framework of a common doctoral program by three Spanish universities, i.e. UdG (in Girona)---UPC---UJI (in Castelló), are the basis of the research here described. Most of UPC's research results could be used to implement improvements in the CDEP. The last section concerns the impact on practice of the Barcelona group's design research, and draws some conclusions.