The Value Index as a decision support tool applied to a new system for evaluating and selecting design alternatives

摘要

The process for evaluating and selecting design alternatives is a key stage in the development of a product and can, in essence, be considered a decision-making process. In order to manage this process, Value Methodologies are considered as an important decision support tool, especially by means of the calculation of the Value Index factor, I-vf, for each one of the product functions as a representation of its 'satisfaction'-to-cost relationship. However, given the subjective nature of the 'satisfaction' metric used in its calculation, the process of formulating the Value Index for the different product functions is a complex matter.