Comparing representations for product architecture design through life-cycle evaluation methods

Abstract

Product architectures are important determinants of life-cycle performance. Many modelling languages have been proposed to represent such architectures and thereby support their design. This paper assesses product architecture modelling languages with respect to their ability to support assessment against different life-cycle performance objectives. In order to do so, the information represented by 15 product modelling languages is compared with the information requirements of 27 assessment methods. The MOKA Modelling Language was determined to be the most comprehensive modelling language of those reviewed. However, even this most comprehensive language only includes the information required to evaluate 33 % of the assessment methods we reviewed. In conclusion, there is a need to bridge the gap between the information provided by product modelling languages and that required by assessment methods. Possible approaches to achieve this include simplifying assessment methods, extending product modelling languages or developing methods for predicting detailed information about the design from preliminary design decisions. However, the potential complexity of such methods must be balanced with usability to ensure architecture modelling languages and life-cycle evaluation methods can support real engineering projects.

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