An evaluation of the pugh controlled convergence method

Frey, Daniel D., Wijnia, Ype, Katsikopoulos, Konstantinos, Herder, Paulien M., Subrahmanian, Eswaran and Clausing, Don P. (2008) An evaluation of the pugh controlled convergence method. In 2007 Proceedings of the ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, DETC2007. vol. 3 PART A, The American Society of Mechanical Engineers. pp. 193-203 . (doi:10.1115/DETC2007-34758).

Abstract

This paper evaluates a method known as Pugh Controlled Convergence and its relationship to recent developments in design theory. Computer executable models are proposed simulating a team of people involved in iterated cycles of evaluation, ideation, and investigation. The models suggest that: 1) convergence of the set of design concepts is facilitated by the selection of a strong datum concept; 2) iterated use of an evaluation matrix can facilitate convergence of expert opinion, especially if used to plan investigations conducted between matrix runs; and 3) ideation stimulated by the Pugh matrices can provide large benefits both by improving the set of alternatives and by facilitating convergence. As a basis of comparison, alternatives to Pugh's methods were assessed such as using a single summary criterion or using a Borda count. The models we developed suggest that Pugh's method, under a substantial range of assumptions, results in better design outcomes than those from these alternative procedures.

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Contributors

Author: Konstantinos Katsikopoulos

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