Track: Systems Engineering

Abstract

This paper presents an integrated framework to systematically address routine challenges plaguing early product development for highly engineered and complex products, such as automobiles. The framework includes up-front strategic product planning leveraging ‘design thinking’ and ‘design execution’ through a structured process to enable adaptation under uncertainties in the product development lifecycle for customer delight and program success. Included is product planning, from fuzzy front-end until product launch, and prioritizing aligned strategic initiatives while integrating design thinking throughout the process. Reduction of late design changes and realized efficiencies will result in reduced overall cost and faster speed to market. Also addressed is the need to better align and balance business, design, and engineering goals to achieve success. By leveraging this approach, practitioners can expect a more inclusive environment in which innovation is abundant and a more streamlined approach to product planning and design execution is achieved.