Product Development (5 cr)

Objective

On completion of the course, the student will be familiar with the systematic product development process and creative idea creation techniques, as well as able to understand the R&D as a part of the strategy of a company.
The student will be able to evaluate and develop the manufacturability and assembly of a product systematically.
The student will understand the lifecycle costs of a product.

Content

1. Systematic product development process and its phases
2. Idea creation methods to invent new products and concept creation
3. Prerequisites of a successful R&D project
4. Analysis of current designs, and synthesis of them
5. Standards and machine directive
6. Modularization
7. Design for assembly and manufacturing
8. R&D as a part of company’s strategy
9. Product portfolio and product realization
10. Product lifecycle management and product lifecycle costs
11. Product development case

Evaluation scale

0-5

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

The student can recognize the different phases of the R&D process, can utilize at least one idea creation method, is able to evaluate different R&D concepts, is familiar with machine directive and standards in the field and is able to utilize CAD models in design for assembly.

Assessment criteria, good (3)

The student can act as a member in an R&D team in all phases of the product development process. The student can utilize at least two idea creation methods fluently.
The student is able to evaluate and create different R&D concepts and understands simultaneously its meaning to company strategy.
The student can utilize the machine directive and standards in the field in his/her design and development work.
The student can define the cost structure of an R&D project.
The student can create modular entities and product families by utilizing design for assembly techniques and analyzing the manufacturability.
The student can make R&D project proposals.

Assessment criteria, excellent (5)

The student can act as a leader in an R&D team knowing all the phases of the product development process and the different techniques used in each phase.
The student is able to define the economic value of the R&D project, and knows the connection to the company’s strategy.
The student can manage the product development portfolio and is able to evaluate the R&D projects both technically and economically.
The student can utilize the analyses of design for assembly techniques and manufacturability in improving the designs.
The student can choose the appropriate bonging/joining method between different structures taking automatic assembly into account.
The student is able to select a suitable material for each design while considering innovative joining methods.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The student can recognize the different phases of the R&D process, can utilize at least one idea creation method, is able to evaluate different R&D concepts, is familiar with machine directive and standards in the field and is able to utilize CAD models in design for assembly.