Conceptual design, along with need identification and analysis, make up the initial stage of the design process. Need analysis transforms the often vague statement of a design task into a set of design requirements. Conceptual design encompasses the generation of concepts and integration into system-level solutions, leading to a relatively detailed design. This 2001 book is devoted to the crucial initial stage of engineering design. In particular, it focuses on parameter analysis, a methodology that leads the user through the design process, helping to identify critical issues (parameters) of the design and propose configuration-specific solutions. To illustrate the principles discussed, the authors present numerous examples and a variety of real-world case studies. The emphasis throughout is on innovation. This useful text will appeal to advanced undergraduate and graduate students, as well as practising engineers, architects, and product development managers.

' … offers a broader insight into the thought processes that can lead to new concepts - meaning a fundamentally different solution to an already existing problem, or perhaps a new design challenge - and provides a stimulus to direct the designer along a more fruitful path when it comes to innovation in design. It is a well-written and highly readable book, and is to be recommended for its refreshing approach to innovation in conceptual design.'

Source: Structural and Multidisciplinary Optimization