A Conceptual Network for Web Representation of Design Knowledge

Abstract

The nature of the Internet as a medium for the representation, storage and accessing of design knowledge is explored and various research issues were introduced. The appropriateness of certain characteristics of the medium as a potential environment for a new interactive way of doing design by exploring design ideas are investigated. Considerations of the Web as a collaboratively constructed and maintained design resource are explored Cognitive models are proposed In order to support cognitive behaviors in search, browsing and concept expansion. Our particular approach utilizes the ICF (issue-concept-form) as a conceptual network for design knowledge bases. Finally, a report is given on a pilot program demonstrating how the exploitation of the ICF model structured around design chunks can support the construction and maintenance of shared design resources.