Open Issues in Design Informatics

Design informatics—the use of computers as a means of generating, communicating and sharing data, information and knowledge in design—has been a central theme in design research and practice for many years. This paper reviews the recent progress of research in design informatics, and makes suggestions for future research directions. The review encompasses various technologies of computer-aided engineering and computer-supported collaborative work with an emphasis on applications in mechanical engineering and related disciplines and on support from conceptual design to life-cycle support. Topics include viewpoint modelling and artefact semantics, model-based engineering, support for creativity and for distributed design, machine learning and the potential for deep learning in design.