Resource allocation using QFD and softness concepts during preliminary design

A design method has been developed to allow a design project manager to coordinate the efforts of the sub-assembly design teams during the preliminary stages of product development, thereby increasing the concurrency of the design process. Through the use of Quality Function Deployment, soft numbers, and linear programming, the method optimizes the amount of cost, weight, and space allocated to each of the sub-assembly design teams so that the probable customer satisfaction with the vehicle's performance is maximized. By allocating resources and not designating physical dimensions, the project manager constrains sub-assembly designers at the minimum required level, but still provides the required knowledge to all of the teams so that they may design independently. The automobile is used as an illustrative example to highlight the method.