University of Twente Student Theses
Development of a solution to enable insightful decision-making in product development processes : a case study at Vepa
Haalstra, E.C.T. (2024) Development of a solution to enable insightful decision-making in product development processes : a case study at Vepa.
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| Abstract: | Vepa, a furniture manufacturer, has grown rapidly in recent years, leading to insufficient support in current product development processes, often resulting in decisions being driven by gut feelings. This research develops a solution for Vepa, and potentially other companies facing similar challenges, to enable insightful decision-making in product development processes. Design for X methods were researched to identify key design factors and objectives for Vepa, including cost, sustainability, quality and modularity. These objectives frequently conflict, requiring trade-offs. To foreground these trade-offs, a conceptual framework of Vepa’s product development process was created. The study also revealed barriers to effective decision-making within Vepa including unclear responsibilities, vague requirements and a lack of project planning and documentation. Using a research by design approach with a case study on a hemp composite product, a tool was developed to create valuable insights. The tool was developed to capture and communicate relevant project information, define clear product requirements, formulate a project plan, support prototyping and visualise trade-offs, all facilitating insightful decision-making. The tool, verified with different users and products, proved valuable to Vepa’s product developers and management. This study concluded with a practical tool facilitating insightful decision-making and a product to be launched in January 2024. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Subject: | 02 science and culture in general, 51 materials science, 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Industrial Design Engineering MSc (66955) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104713 |
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