The early stages of NewSpace missions can be in the fuzzy front end because of unclear requirements. This paper explores clearing this design phase through low-fidelity prototyping, using a case study of 23 prototypes organized into five concepts. The goal is to enable post-launch deployment and focus of a modified commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) telescope for an Earth observation hyperspectral imaging satellite mission. A final payload design is developed, and the lessons learned inform the design methodology for the early phases of NewSpace projects.

This study identifies the challenges design educators face in understanding, using, and teaching design methods and derives features from these challenges for an enhanced methods repository to support design practice and pedagogy. Interviews with 21 educators yielded 14 distinct themes of challenges, based on which the following features are proposed: (a) detailed method information with context-based recommendations and teaching resources, (b) a platform to learn and practice with guidance, and (c) step-by-step walkthroughs with cross-disciplinary examples.

Here we propose seven meta-theoretical parameters of change (7MTPC)—Plannability, Manageability, Stability, Trajectory, Origin, Motor, and Scale—to provide a shared coordinate system for comparing organizational change approaches. Derived from classic and contemporary theories, the 7MTPC make explicit the assumptions about predictability, agency, and causality that underlie them. The framework offers scholars and practitioners a common language to map, contrast, and combine models, towards a systematic and evolutionary understanding of organizational change.

Engineers often treat margins as buffers or excesses which are added to parameters, appearing much later in the product development process. However, many key lifecycle properties e.g., reliability stem from early architectural decisions which either need margins for their enablement or create margins in the process. These buffers are rarely treated explicitly as margins. This paper argues that there is a clear relationship between architectural objectives and margins and explores four examples of ilities providing a new perspective for reasoning about ilities in early system design.

Engineering software is evolving through the integration of artificial intelligence, creating new opportunities for enhanced assistance within product development. This paper proposes a use context model to systematically align and classify the functionalities of Generative Engineering and Design software with respect to the combination of product development phase, the nature of the task, and the level of support provided. Based on this model, a methodological guideline is proposed, offering a structured framework for the development and application of these tools in product development.

This paper shows the implementation of the Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) as a Life Cycle Assessment simplification (LCA) method to identify the most influential design parameters for the design of packaging reuse loops. The practical execution of GSA relies on Monte Carlo simulations to propagate the input parameter effects in the LCA model and Sobol indexes to quantify the variance contribution of each parameter. This methodology was applied to a case study in the French region of Île-de-France. This method allows identify the key design parameters to prioritize the design key decisions.

This paper examines how spatial arrangements affect digitally supported individual and group decision-making. In a controlled within-subjects study, 24 participants completed the NASA Moon Survival Task across three spatial conditions: standing at an interactive table, sitting at the same table with personal zones, and using laptops. By analysing decision quality, speed, and perceived collaboration, the study shows that spatial design meaningfully shapes decision performance, interaction dynamics, and user experience.

Compliant mechanisms achieve motion through elastic deformation, yet their core ideas are rarely taught before digital tools. This paper presents a foundation-first, hands-on method using lattice structures to introduce compliant mechanism design. In a pilot workshop, students analysed how rigid-body mechanisms move and redesigned them as compliant via tactile exploration and paper-based sketches, producing clear conceptual outputs and reporting improved understanding and confidence. The results show the value of early experiential learning before progression to digital and automated tools.

Residual stress is inherent in Additive Manufacturing process due to the heat cycling of the material being deposited on the build plate. The manufacturing toolpath can have a considerable effect on the development of residual stress distribution within a component. This paper examines the impact of the shell feature to generate some design heuristics on whether to include it when residual stress is of concern. The stress feature did increase the residual stressed observed during printing but was mitigated by the cooling regime after the process was complete.

We present a geometry-based complexity factor for additive manufacturing that estimates relative printing effort of fused filament fabricated parts from STL geometry alone. A reference effort is derived by slicing thousands of parts and volume-equivalent cubes. Eight interpretable geometric metrics feed a constrained, regularised index with monotonic calibration, achieving robust test accuracy and revealing which shape features dominate structural complexity.

Increasing e-waste demands design approaches beyond repair and recycling. This study explores adaptability, upgradability, and flexibility, as proposed to mitigate product obsolescence. Processes and guidelines are examined from legislative, academic, and industrial perspectives, complemented by a workshop (n=16). Applications show potential yet remain scarce and uncover rebound effects. A common framework for adaptable design is suggested. Future research is recommended to evaluate it, expand guidelines empirically and address barriers like consumer perceptions and business model challenges.

Knowledge management (KM) is crucial for efficient cross-sectoral R&D. Our study, performed with academic and industry experts (n=17), reveals a deep distrust in formal KM platforms and a high reliance on personal networks. Based on the findings of how the personal networks serve for knowledge management and exchange, we propose a concept and basic design requirements for an AI-powered ‘knowledge orchestrator’. Accounting the promise and the capabilities of the modern AI, this AI-powered ‘knowledge orchestrator’ may serve as a new generation of KM system for modern cross-sectoral R&D.

Transition Design has gained attention for sustainability, yet its cultural dimensions remain underexplored. This paper introduces Transition Design for Cultural Inclusivity, examining the halal ecosystem in Fukuoka, Japan, as a case of cultural transition in a non-Islamic context. Using a systemic service design approach, the study maps the current ecosystem, envisions a 2045 inclusive future, and outlines transition pathways. The research contributes by addressing a gap and extending Transition Design into the cultural domain, highlighting its role in fostering inclusive futures.

To enhance multifaceted and critical reflection, we developed the Dual-Advocate Reflection Cards tool and carried out an empirical study. The eighteen student participants worked in pairs to reflect on their experiences. Transcripts of their discussions were analyzed, and we counted the frequency with which each card and each level of reflection intensity were discussed. The results indicated a strong link between card usage and utterances of multifaceted and critical reflection, as well as the effect of the cards on the reframing of the evaluation or understanding of the design process.

CMF design goes beyond aesthetic enhancement by shaping the user–product relationship through functional, ergonomic, and symbolic dimensions. The qualitative analysis shows that colour and material primarily influence first impressions and emotional engagement, while surface finish reinforces perceived quality, symbolic meaning, and identity expression. Ergonomic performance is closely linked to material and tactile surface properties. Overall, CMF acts as a strategic design tool that strengthens brand identity, product desirability, and long-term emotional attachment.

Product teardowns are a common educational tool in engineering design courses, with many benefits such as hands-on experience and improved engineering knowledge acquisition. This exploratory study investigates the role of product teardown activities on students’ engineering education, specifically focusing on technical knowledge acquisition among industrial design students. Results indicate the teardown caused a qualitative increase in students’ understanding of product function, components, materials, and manufacturing processes.

This study presents a simulation-based framework to analyze resource consumption and cost effects of product family design strategies. Drawing on Extended Axiomatic Design (EAD) and 53 documented design cases, we simulate empirically grounded patterns that reveal denser, more homogeneous resource use than benchmarks from cost accounting literature. The findings (1) provide a reusable dataset; (2) demonstrate the value of EAD for standardized product family design and enhanced cost transparency; and (3) support broader generalization of cost accounting insights.

Engineering organisations increasingly aim to reuse historical BOM, CAD, and requirements data to identify recurring components. A key prerequisite is Entity Matching (EM), whose performance on heterogeneous engineering data is unclear. This paper evaluates classical models, zero-shot LLMs, and hybrid EM on Amazon–Google and a multimodal engineering dataset. Random Forest and XGBoost achieve near–state-of-the-art results; LLMs perform well but are costly, hybrids add little. EM transfers under controlled conditions and forms a foundation for reference architecture reconstruction.