Product design using virtual environments-a conceptual evolutionary approach

In today's dynamic and sometimes virtual environments, project development organizations must struggle to remain cost effective and efficient. One of the most significant and cost-driving phases of product development is product design. This paper briefly focuses on evolving design methods and technologies, and the need for more robust collaborative, virtual design environments. A conclusion reached is that the application of advanced virtual computer and network technologies has the potential to decrease overall product cost and development time. However, numerous research issues exist and technology challenges remain.