6.3 Suspended Ceiling Design Process - Bilkent University

DSM with Quality Function Deployment (QFD) matrix. QFD is a team
decision-making tool used to achieve a common understanding of
design objectives and selected design solutions. In such a matrix,
properties of design are entered as columns and requirements are
entered as rows. The relationships between properties and
requirements are entered at the intersection cells in a numerical scale
(e.g. how important a specific property in satisfying a customer
requirement? 3: high, 2: medium, 1: low). A weight (importance) factor
is assigned to each customer requirement. The customers’ requirement
priorities and their perception of the performance of the existing
products are also entered in the matrix. Using all the data how specific
designs satisfy customer requirements are calculated and different
configurations are compared. The authors claim that the use of both
tools facilitates for a customer-oriented and efficient design process.
Austin et al. (2001) have utilized DSM technique to map conceptual
building design activities in an experimental workshop. The workshop
aimed to test the applicability and validity of a preliminary model of the
conceptual design phase. The workshop involved 15 participants
divided into three groups. Two of the teams were designated as test
groups and the third as the control group. The two test groups were
provided with a copy of the preliminary conceptual design framework.
One team was given the option to follow it while the other team was
asked to follow it. The two teams were then introduced to the brief and
told to begin the exercise. The third team was asked to solve the design
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