Integration matrix to support technology evolution in (re)design of complex products

This paper proposes an integrated design methodology for the (re)design of complex products to follow technology evolution. The technique is useful for developing an understanding of interactions between the components of the design. In this study, the complex product is divided in three layers; managing layer, control layer and mechanical layer. The Design Structure Matrix (DSM) is first used to model the design integration of components in each layer. The integration matrix has been developed to model the integration and the connectivity among layers. This approach would help development teams better understand the complexity of the interactions within the system studied.