Knowledge management system for cognitive synchronization in collaborative design

Collaborative designs generally result in artefacts´ solutions which are enriched by the multiple expertise and skills of the designers engaged in the design task. However, because designers have their own knowledge, expertise and insight, reaching a shared point of view from multiple and not necessarily coherent ones is difficult and often leads to conflicts during the design stage. To address this problem, we describe a new methodology for modelling the conflict management process and its implementation in a Web-based multi-agent system for advanced concurrent design and manufacturing with emphasize on the concept of “cognitive synchronisation” and “design rational” for building a shared point of view and thus reaching a “satisfying” solution.