Improving product classification through product family segregation

Abstract

Information sources are invaluable when taking decisions in Product design especially at the front end of the design process. Product families if properly classified, the connectivity of product form and interaction of the features assist the designer in taking good decisions. This paper addresses product classification from the design perspective with respect to Product family as reflected by the product's presence in the market. Ten different models for a product (Wheelchair) was randomly selected and recorded. The choice of the product has no specific implication other than to demonstrate the practicability of this approach. TRIZ principles were employed to perform a 3-level component segregation on each model. A matrix is thereafter drawn for the product family. The models are recorded on the horizontal axis of the matrix while their corresponding features are recorded on the vertical axis. The frequencies of the models and corresponding features are noted on the right hand side of the table. The frequencies were then taken through cluster analysis using the dendrogram on SPSS 20. The result shows the features categorized into three groups which reveals the commonality and association of the features that are Basic, Performance or Luxury according to customers' satisfaction. This approach also shows a quick method that can ease product design decision making because it is systematic and can be used to dissect and analyze products within a product family. This approach can lead to functional analysis, product design specification preparation and product development.