Defining, Formulating and Modeling Product Functions in the Early Phase in the Model of PGE — Product Generation Engineering

In competition to satisfy customer needs, companies increasingly differentiate their products by their functional product substance and innovative functional concepts as well as the interaction with these product functions. For modeling, generation, modification, exploration, visualization, explanation, evaluation and diagnosis knowledge of functions is indispensable. The term “function” lacks a differentiation in meaning and definition to differentiate the viewpoint of customer/user and product developer. The aim of the contribution is to deviate a definition, formulation and model of product functions in the model of PGE - Product Generation Engineering. Additionally, an initial approach for the combined modeling of the interaction of a user or customer with a product function is shown. The developed product function model enables product developers to systematically reduce uncertainties regarding relevant customer and user requirements by means of targeted functional specification already in early development phases. This early insight allows for a customer-/user-centric development approach throughout the development process. Moreover, it facilitates the allocation of development resources to particularly success-related product functions. Thus, the developed definition, formulation and model of product functions makes an important contribution to securing development and market success in practical product development.