Theory of Technical Systems (TTS) - Existing Approaches and Challenges
Year: 2009
Editor: Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author: Weber, Christian
Series: ICED
Section: Design Theory and Research Methodology
Page(s): 65-76
Abstract
Considerations on the nature of artifacts (technical products or systems) have always been part of Design Theory and Methodology. In this context it is quite interesting to investigate the role of so-called artifact concepts or theories (Theories of Technical Systems, TTS) in different approaches to Design Theory and Methodology. One trigger to do so are big changes in industrially relevant products and systems during the last couple of years, e.g. with regard to their complexity, "multi-disciplinarity" (mechatronic products, Product/Service Systems) and variability. Finally, in the field of computer support for design processes (CAx) a big discussion about product models and product modeling is ongoing which is entirely separate from TTS considerations. Against this background, this contribution shall try to investigate the role of TTS in (different approaches) to Design Theory and Methodology and reason about challenges of TTS in the future.
Keywords: Theory of Technical Systems, Design Theory and Methodology, Product Modeling