Extraordinariat
Virtual product development continues to grow as an essential
component of successful product development enabling increased
innovation, complexity and customization. The Extraordinariat in Virtual
Product Development (VPD) was established in 2005, within the Institute
of Product Development, and is led by Prof. Dr. Kristina Shea.
We
carry out internationally leading research on computational models and
methods for product development focusing on supporting early design
stages, design synthesis, design and fabrication automation and product
optimization. We drive the development of the computer-aided models,
methods and tools of the future through collaborative integration of
research with local and global industry partners. Further, we train
students in the fundamentals of virtual, digital and computer-aided
product development.
The VPD group is unique since it combines
- basic scientific research in advanced computer-based models, methods and tools for product development and
- application and integration of methods and tools in practice.
Most technical products today are complex engineered systems requiring significant support to deal with complexity stemming from integration of domains, e.g. mechanical, electronic and software systems, complex geometry, new required functionality and the complex, distributed processes in which they are created. Research in virtual product development must consider how to support people, or engineering designers, carrying out design tasks in product development processes through the use of new models and methods that are implemented through technology, or computer-based tools (Figure 1). New technology is and will continue to be a key enabler for the development of complex products in global markets and development environments.
Figure 1: Research focus of the Extraordinariat in Virtual Product Development