Axiomatic design for products, processes, and systems

Abstract

Science is about looking for simple constructs that describe underlying, unifying compact nature of the universe. Engineering is about design, creating plans, and descriptions of things the safety, health, and welfare of the public. Science and engineering both rely on the scientific method and design processes. Scientific disciplines are based on a few, self-consistent underlying rules that explain a broad range of phenomena. It is much easier to learn and apply a scientific discipline than a discipline that relies primarily on experience and best practices. The discovery and articulation of design axioms made engineering design a scientific discipline. The axioms clearly distinguish axiomatic design from other design theories and methods.