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HunterReeling.MS.Thesis.pdf (2.51 MB)

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Aligning Functional Analysis Processes with Designers' Natural Cognitive Flow

Reeling, Hunter Scott
http://orcid.org/0009-0007-2528-263X
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1689853453716623

Abstract Details

2023, Master of Science, Miami University, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.
Balancing creativity with a structured approach in engineering design poses a critical challenge, necessitating optimization of each stage to aid in efficiently creating superior products. Functional analysis, a systematic approach defining the design problem, enables comprehensive exploration of the design space. However, critics argue that it requires too many resources, restricts creativity, and imposes high demands on design teams. The goal of this research is to enhance the effectiveness of functional analysis by integrating theories from cognitive research and human-centered design. The proposed method, Natural Cognitive Flow Functional Analysis (NCFFA), aims to promote designers' creative freedom, maintain the quality of the function model, and be accessible to engineering students and professionals alike. A between-subject study involving novice engineers evaluated the effectiveness of NCFFA. Although determining the full effectiveness of NCFFA in terms of enhanced creativity and reduced effort proved challenging, the study found marginal improvement in designers' Flow State, suggesting the potential merit of the NCFFA method for enhancing the designer experience during functional analysis. The study highlights the benefits of incorporating cognitive research and human-centered design principles into functional analysis and paves the way for further research to refine the structured design process.
Jinjuan She (Advisor)
Christopher Wolfe (Committee Member)
Sk Khairul Hasan (Committee Member)
62 p.
Cognitive Psychology; Engineering; Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Design; Mechanical Engineering; Cognitive; Design thinking; Functional Analysis; Design Process

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Reeling, H. S. (2023). Aligning Functional Analysis Processes with Designers' Natural Cognitive Flow [Master's thesis, Miami University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1689853453716623

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Reeling, Hunter. Aligning Functional Analysis Processes with Designers' Natural Cognitive Flow. 2023. Miami University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1689853453716623.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Reeling, Hunter. "Aligning Functional Analysis Processes with Designers' Natural Cognitive Flow." Master's thesis, Miami University, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1689853453716623

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

miami1689853453716623
141
© 2023, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Miami University and OhioLINK.