Design Methods

Academic Staff

M.Sc. Thomas Nelius M.Sc. Patric Grauberger
Matthias Eisenmann M.Sc. Markus Döllken
M.Sc. Christoph Zimmerer M.Sc. Manfred Hofelich
RG Design Methods

Research Focus

In the Design Methodology research group, we explore design as a cognitive process in product generation development. Here we focus on forward-thinking of the embodiment-function-relation in the analysis and synthesis of technical products. In doing so, we identify key factors of successful approaches by design engineers and develop methods to support product development on this basis. We apply these in development projects together with companies to validate them and to secure their added value for practice.

The aim of our research is to provide methodical support in forward-thinking, analysing and synthesising of components in the system context. We take into account that design is an iterative and highly creative process. It is particularly important for us to focus not only on individual phases, such as listing the requirements or evaluating the reliability. We develop tools that use the entire thinking process of design.

Using the methods developed by us, complex effects in technical systems can be analysed. From this, we derive target values for the construction. Agile product development processes enable us to develop rapid prototypes demonstrating the implementation of the new product features through individualised training, we bring design methods to the industry. At the heart of these training courses is the rapid realisation of a shortened development project, which enables experiential learning.

Service Offer

We will strengthen you as our industrial partner in the competition for innovation.

  • ​Analysis of complex effects for the synthesis of new product generations
    • Methods for analysis
    • Model building techniques
    • C&C²-Approach
  • ​​Verification of product functions by means of fast prototypes
    • Design hypotheses
    • Testing
  • Individualised training courses in the core area of design engineers

Equipment

  • FDM 3D printer
  • ​Analysis lab
    • Macroscopy
    • Microscopy
    • Ferrography
  • CAD-CAM model milling cutter
  • Laser cutter
  • 3D scanner
  • Stationary and portable eye tracking system

Further equipment of the institute can be found here.

Theses

Current theses of the research group can be found here.

Statements about design and development

 

Contact

nelius
M.Sc. (Oberingenieur) Thomas Nelius

+49 721 608 46945thomas neliusSqd4∂kit edu

Head of Research Department Design Methods

Selected Publications


2021
Design method validation – an investigation of the current practice in design research.
Eisenmann, M.; Grauberger, P.; Üreten, S.; Krause, D.; Matthiesen, S.
2021. Journal of engineering design, 1–25. doi:10.1080/09544828.2021.1950655
Methoden der Produktentwicklung und Problemlösung – Ein Ansatz zur Vernetzung technikdidaktischer Perspektiven.
Eisenmann, M.; Hansjosten, I.; Matthiesen, S.
2021. Journal of technical education, 9 (1), 174–194. doi:10.48513/joted.v9i1.212
AI-Based knowledge extraction for automatic design proposals using design-related patterns.
Krahe, C.; Kalaidov, M.; Doellken, M.; Gwosch, T.; Kuhnle, A.; Lanza, G.; Matthiesen, S.
2021. Procedia CIRP, 100, 397–402. doi:10.1016/j.procir.2021.05.093
Implementing innovative gaze analytic methods in design for manufacturing: a study on eye movements in exploiting design guidelines.
Doellken, M.; Zapata, J.; Thomas, N.; Matthiesen, S.
2021. Procedia CIRP, 100, 415–420. doi:10.1016/j.procir.2021.05.097
Identifying an opportunistic method in design for manufacturing: an experimental study on successful a on the manufacturability and manufacturing effort of design concepts.
Doellken, M.; Arndt, L.; Nelius, T.; Matthiesen, S.
2021. Procedia CIRP, 100, 720–725. doi:10.1016/j.procir.2021.05.090
Tatort Technik (Teil 2) – Unterstützung bei der Problemanalyse in der Konstruktion mit der Design-ACH-Methode.
Nelius, T.; Eisenmann, M.; Grauberger, P.; Matthiesen, S.
2021. Konstruktion, 73 (4), 70–74
Tatort Technik (Teil 1) – Herausforderungen bei der Problemanalyse in der Konstruktion.
Nelius, T.; Eisenmann, M.; Grauberger, P.; Matthiesen, S.
2021. Konstruktion, 73 (3), 70–74. doi:10.37544/0720-5953-2021-03-70
Modeling dynamic mechanical system behavior using sequence modeling of embodiment function relations: case study on a hammer mechanism.
Wettstein, A.; Grauberger, P.; Matthiesen, S.
2021. SN Applied Sciences, 3 (1), Art.-Nr.: 128. doi:10.1007/s42452-021-04149-8
2020
Restrictive and Opportunistic Method in Design for Manufacturing.
Doellken, M.; Arndt, L.; Buehlmeier, J.; Matthiesen, S.
2020, December 9. doi:10.5445/IR/1000127148
The impact of confirmation bias on reasoning and visual attention during analysis in engineering design: An eye tracking study.
Nelius, T.; Doellken, M.; Zimmerer, C.; Matthiesen, S.
2020. Design studies, 71, Article: 100963. doi:10.1016/j.destud.2020.100963
Methodical support for the investigation of system behaviour with analysis techniques - Overcoming the non-transparency in embodiment design.
Hoelz, K.; Grauberger, P.; Matthiesen, S.
2020, September 23. doi:10.5445/IR/1000123853
A guideline for modelling relations of embodiment and function in agile development.
Grauberger, P.; Heimicke, J.; Nann, S.; Albers, A.; Matthiesen, S.
2020. SN applied sciences, 2 (9), Article: 1475. doi:10.1007/s42452-020-03271-3
Qualitative Modelling in Embodiment Design - Investigating the Contact and Channel Approach Through Analysis of Projects.
Grauberger, P.; Bremer, F.; Sturm, C.; Hoelz, K.; Wessels, H.; Gwosch, T.; Wagner, R.; Lanza, G.; Albers, A.; Matthiesen, S.
2020. Proceedings of the Design Society: DESIGN Conference, 1, 897–906. doi:10.1017/dsd.2020.260
Challenges Faced by Design Engineers when Considering Manufacturing in Design – An Interview Study.
Doellken, M.; Zimmerer, C.; Matthiesen, S.
2020. Proceedings of the Design Society: DESIGN Conference, 1, 837–846. doi:10.1017/dsd.2020.302
Erkenntnisgewinn in der Gestaltung mit Rapid Prototyping Ersatzsystemen durch Modellbildung und Parametertransformation.
Matthiesen, S.; Grauberger, P.; Windisch, E.
2020. Konstruktion für die Additive Fertigung 2018. Ed.: R. Lachmayer, 145–164, Springer Verlag GmbH Deutschland. doi:10.1007/978-3-662-59058-4_9
Methodical support for investigation of system behaviour by means of analysis techniques - overcoming non-transparency in embodiment design.
Hölz, K.; Grauberger, P.; Matthiesen, S.
2020. Forschung im Ingenieurwesen. doi:10.1007/s10010-020-00417-y
Herausforderungen bei der Verknüpfung von Gestaltungs- und Toleranzdomäne zur Robustheitsbewertung von Produkt- konzepten.
Grauberger, P.; Bremer, F.; Matthiesen, S.; Goetz, S.; Schleich, B.; Wartzack, S.
2020. Summer School Toleranzmanagement : Beiträge zur 4. Summer School - September 2020. Hrsg.: S. Wartzack, 69–74, Ernst Vögel GmbH
Investigation of Failure Behavior in the Thread Contact of Wood Screws during the Pull-Out Process.
Hoelz, K.; Grauberger, P.; Matthiesen, S.
2020. Journal of structural engineering, 146 (10), Art.-Nr.: 04020211. doi:10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0002784
A Conceptual Model Combination for the Unification of Design and Tolerancing in Robust Design.
Grauberger, P.; Goetz, S.; Schleich, B.; Gwosch, T.; Matthiesen, S.; Wartzack, S.
2020. Proceedings of the Design Society: DESIGN Conference, 1, 157–166. doi:10.1017/dsd.2020.12
Identifying Reasons for a Lack of Method Application in Engineering Design Practice – An Interview Study.
Eisenmann, M.; Matthiesen, S.
2020. Proceedings of the Design Society: DESIGN Conference, 1, 2495–2504. doi:10.1017/dsd.2020.261
Current Challenges And Solution Approaches In Empirical Engineering Design Research – A Workshop For Empirical Research.
Üreten, S.; Eisenmann, M.; Nelius, T.; Garrelts, E.; Krause, D.; Matthiesen, S.
2020. Proceedings of the Design Society: DESIGN Conference, 1, 61–70. doi:10.1017/dsd.2020.280
The contact and channel approach – 20 years of application experience in product engineering.
Grauberger, P.; Wessels, H.; Gladysz, B.; Bursac, N.; Matthiesen, S.; Albers, A.
2020. Journal of engineering design, 31 (5), 241–265. doi:10.1080/09544828.2019.1699035
2019
A Concept Map for Design Method Experiments in Product Development – A Guideline for Method Developers.
Üreten, S.; Eisenmann, M.; Nelius, T.; Cao, S.; Matthiesen, S.; Krause, D.
2019. Proceedings of the 30th Symposium Design for X (DFX 2019), 18-19 September 2019, Jesteburg, Germany. Ed.: D. Krause, 147–158, The Design Society. doi:10.35199/dfx2019.13
Product models in embodiment design: an investigation of challenges and opportunities.
Matthiesen, S.; Grauberger, P.; Bremer, F.; Nowoseltschenko, K.
2019. SN Applied Sciences, 1 (9), 1078. doi:10.1007/s42452-019-1115-y
Experimental Evaluation of a Debiasing Method for Analysis in Engineering Design.
Nelius, T.; Matthiesen, S.
2019. Proceedings of the Design Society: International Conference on Engineering Design, 1 (1), 489–498. doi:10.1017/dsi.2019.53
Extended Sequence Modelling in Design Engineering – Gaining and Documenting Knowledge about Embodiment Function Relations with the C&C2-Approach.
Matthiesen, S.; Grauberger, P.; Schrempp, L.
2019. Proceedings of the Design Society: International Conference on Engineering Design, 1 (1), 1483–1492. doi:10.1017/dsi.2019.154
Functional Analysis in Embodiment Design - An Investigation of Embodiment Function Relations in Testing Activities.
Grauberger, P.; Voß, K.; Matthiesen, S.
2019. Proceedings of the Design Society: International Conference on Engineering Design, 1 (1), 1503–1512. doi:10.1017/dsi.2019.156
Agile Lightweight Design - The Extended Target Weighing Approach in ASD - Agile Systems Design Using Functional Modelling with the C&C2-Approach.
Albers, A.; Matthiesen, S.; Revfi, S.; Schönhoff, C.; Grauberger, P.; Heimicke, J.
2019. Proceedings of the Design Society: International Conference on Engineering Design, 1 (1), 2667–2676. doi:10.1017/dsi.2019.273
Sprintplanung in der Mechatroniksystementwicklung auf Basis von Referenzsystemelementen.
Wessels, H.; Heimicke, J.; Rapp, S.; Grauberger, P.; Richter, T.; Matthiesen, S.; Albert, A.
2019. 17. Gemeinsames Kolloquium Konstruktionstechnik, KT2019, Aachen, Germany, 200–211. doi:10.18154/RWTH-2019-08788
Erkenntnisgewinn durch Systemanalyse und Testing – Ein Ansatz zur Unterstützung der Entwicklung von Systemen mit neuartigen Wirkprinzipien.
Matthiesen, S.; Wilhelm, M.; Grauberger, P.; Naue, I.; Werner, T.
2019. Stuttgarter Symposium fuer Produktentwicklung 2019, Stuttgart, 16.05.2019. Hrsg.: H. Binz, Fraunhofer-Institut für Arbeitswirtschaft und Organisation IAO
Improving Decision Making by teaching Debiasing Approaches – motivating Engineering students with Reflection.
Nelius, T.; Eisenmann, M.; Doellken, M.; Hergl, M.; Matthiesen, S.
2019. 2. Conference "Human Behaviour in Design", Tutzing, 23.-24. April 2019
Research data: Experimental Testing Approaches in Engineering Design – Investigating the Exploration of Relations of Embodiment and Function in a Student Project.
Grauberger, P.; Voß, K.; Matthiesen, S.
2019. doi:10.5445/IR/1000092735
Product Models in Embodiment Design – an Investigation of Challenges and Possibilities.
Matthiesen, S.; Grauberger, P.; Bremer, F.; Nowoseltschenko, K.
2019. doi:10.5445/IR/1000089686
2018
Junge Menschen für Technikberufe begeistern - Deutschlands Ingenieurstärke sichern.
Matthiesen, S.; Hoelz, K.; Eisenmann, M.
2018. 13. Ingenieurpädagogische Regionaltagung 2018 - Diversität und Kulturelle Vielfalt - differenzieren, individualisieren - oder integrieren? Wege zu technischer Bildung, Bochum, 7. - 9. Juni 2018, IPW
Analysis of dynamic system behaviour using sequence modelling with the C&C-Approach - a case study on a power tool hammer mechanism.
Matthiesen, S.; Wettstein, A.; Grauberger, P.
2018. Proceedings of NordDesign: Design in the Era of Digitalization, NordDesign 2018, The Design Society
Das Systemverständnis reflektieren – Kritisches Hinterfragen als Einflussgröße in der Analyse.
Matthiesen, S.; Eisenmann, M.; Döllken, M.
2018. 29. DfX-Symposium 2018, Tutzing, 25.-26. September 2018. Hrsg.: D. Krause, 12
Experiencing and teaching technology – Integrating STEM teaching-students in interdisciplinary design teams.
Matthiesen, S.; Eisenmann, M.; Hoelz, K.; Six, O.
2018. 20th International Conference on Engineering & Product Design Education, London, UK, September 6-7, 2018
Research Results: "Product Models in Embodiment Design - An Investigation of Challenges and Possibilities".
Matthiesen, S.; Grauberger, P.; Bremer, F.; Nowoseltschenko, K.
2018. doi:10.5445/IR/1000086190
Analysis of dynamic system behaviour using sequence modelling with the C&C-Approach – a case study on a power tool hammer mechanism.
Matthiesen, S.; Wettstein, A.; Grauberger, P.
2018. Proceedings of NordDesign 2018, Linköping, S, August, 14-17, 2018
Managing Assumptions during Analysis - Study on successful Approaches of Design Engineers.
Matthiesen, S.; Nelius, T.
2018. Proceedings of NordDesign: Design in the Era of Digitalization, NordDesign 2018, The Design Society
Eye tracking study on successful micro-strategies by design engineers for the synthesis-driven analysis of technical systems.
Matthiesen, S.; Nelius, T.
2018. Tools and methods of competitive engineering : proceedings of theTwelfth International Symposium on Tools and Methods of Competitive Engineering - TMCE 2018, May 07-11, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, 295–304, University of Technology
From Reality to Simulation – Using the C&C²-Approach to Support the Modelling of a Dynamic System.
Matthiesen, S.; Grauberger, P.; Sturm, C.; Steck, M.
2018. Procedia CIRP, 70, 475–480. doi:10.1016/j.procir.2018.03.039
Modellbildung mit dem C&C²-Ansatz in der Gestaltung - Techniken zur Analyse und Synthese.
Matthiesen, S.; Grauberger, P.; Hölz, K.; Nelius, T.; Bremer, F.; Wettstein, A.; Gessinger, A.; Pflegler, B.; Nowoseltschenko, K.; Voß, K.
2018. Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT). doi:10.5445/IR/1000080744
2017
Technikaktivitäten – Herausforderungen in der Ausbildung und vielversprechende Lösungsansätze.
Matthiesen, S.; Hoelz, K.; Fox, D.; Eisenmann, M.
2017. Digitalisierung in der Techniklehre – ihr Beitrag zum Profil technischer Bildung : 12. Ingenieurpädagogische Regionaltagung, Ilmenau, 11. – 13. Mai 2017, IPW
Systemverständnis durch Analysemethoden.
Matthiesen, S.; Hölz, K.; Grauberger, P.
2017. DFX 2017: Proceedings of the 28th Symposium Design for X, Bamberg, Germany, 4-5 October 2017. Hrsg.: D. Krause, 263–274, Design Society
Studiendesign zur Untersuchung der synthesegetriebenen Analyse von Konstrukteuren.
Matthiesen, S.; Nelius, T.; Pflegler, B.; Gutmann, T.
2017. DFX 2017: Proceedings of the 28th Symposium Design for X, Bamberg, Germany, 4-5 October 2017. Ed.: D. Krause, 299–310, Design Society
Technik vermitteln und erleben im Naturwissenschaft und Technik-Unterricht.
Matthiesen, S.; Woll, A.; Hoelz, K.; Eisenmann, M.; Schmidt, S.; Hansjosten, I.; Wegmann, K.; Hoffman, M.; Schnur, A.
2017. Digitalisierung in der Techniklehre – ihr Beitrag zum Profil technischer Bildung - 12. Ingenieurpädagogische Regionaltagung, Ilmenau, 11. - 13. Mai 2017, IPW
Methodische Unterstützung des Erkenntnisgewinns in der Produktentwicklung durch Konstruktionshypothesen.
Matthiesen, S.; Grauberger, P.; Nelius, T.; Hölz, K.
2017. Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT). doi:10.5445/IR/1000071901
Frontloading in der Produktentwicklung von Power-Tools durch frühe Validierung mit Hilfe von leistungsskalierten Prototypen.
Matthiesen, S.; Gwosch, T.; Mangold, S.; Grauberger, P.; Steck, M.; Cersowsky, S.
2017. Stuttgarter Symposium für Produktentwicklung 2017 (SSP 2017) : Produktentwicklung im disruptiven Umfeld, Stuttgart, Deutschland, 29. Juni 2017
2016
Entwicklungssimulator - Erleben von Problemsituationen zur Steigerung der Methodenakzeptanz.
Matthiesen, S.; Nelius, T.; Schmidt, S.; Cersowsky, S.; Schneider, T.
2016. Anwendungsorientierung und Wissenschaftserneuerung in der Ingenieurbildung : Wege zu technischer Bildung : Referate der 10. Ingenieurpädagogischen Regionaltagung 2015 an der Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven, 5 - 7. November 2015. Hrsg.: G. Kammasch, IPW
Technische Systeme analysieren wie ein Profi.
Matthiesen, S.; Nelius, T.
2016. WiGeP, 2016 (2), 5
Schulungskonzept zur effizienten Weiterbildung von Konstrukteuren.
Matthiesen, S.; Nelius, T.; Schmidt, S.; Cersowsky, S.; Schneider, T.
2016. Anwendungsorientierung und Wissenschaftsorientierung in der Ingenieurbildung : Wege zu technischer Bildung : Referate der 10. Ingenieurpädagogischen Regionaltagung 2015. Hrsg.: G. Kammasch, IPW
2015
Supporting validation activities and self-reflection processes in interdisciplinary design teams.
Matthiesen, S.; Schmidt, S.; Klingler, S.; Pinner, T.; Eisenmann, M.; Ludwig, J.; Hohmann, S.; Albers, A.
2015. 17th International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education, Loughborough Design School, University of Loughborough, United Kingdom, 3. - 4. September, 2015, 418–423, The Design Society
Modellunterstützte Reduktion von Störgrößen in einem Messsystem zur Erfassung der Geräte-Werkstück-Wechselwirkungen.
Matthiesen, S.; Bruchmueller, T.; Grauberger, P.; Wettstein, A.
2015. DFX 2015: Proceedings of the 26th Symposium Design for X. Hrsg.: K. Paetzold, 157–168, Tutech Verlag
Differences in analysis and interpretation of technical systems by expert and novice engineering designers.
Ruckpaul, A.; Nelius, T.; Matthiesen, S.
2015. ICED 15 : Proceedings of the 20th International Conference on Engineering Design, Vol 2 : Design Theory and Research Methodology Design Processes, Milan, Italy, 27th - 30th July 2015, 339–348, Design Society
2013
The BioMotionBot: A robotic device for applications in human motor learning and rehabilitation.
Bartenbach, V.; Sander, C.; Pöschl, M.; Wilging, K.; Nelius, T.; Doll, F.; Burger, W.; Stockinger, C.; Focke, A.; Stein, T.
2013. Journal of neuroscience methods, 213 (2), 282–292. doi:10.1016/j.jneumeth.2012.12.006

Overview of all IPEK Publications

An overview of all IPEK publications can be found here.