Coherent Design Rationale and its importance to the remanufacturing sector

Abstract

Design Rationale is the combination of the structure that underpins the design of a product, and the reasoning behind it. This paper details the findings of ongoing research into the creation of a Remanufacturing Design Platform Model (RDPM), focusing on understanding the rationale behind Design for Remanufacture (DfR), and investigating alternative design strategies, points in the process at which decisions regarding end of life reuse are made, and criteria and other factors which influence such decisions. Key criteria to be considered in the creation of a design rationale for remanufacturing are suggested. The main challenges for designers of "remanufacturable" products are also considered.