WeDesign: A Forum-Based Tool for Managing User-Generated Content in Engineering Design and Product Development

A web forum-based tool for managing user-generated content in engineering design and product development is described. The system is intended to allow a “crowdsourcing” approach, in which large groups perform the work more commonly by individuals. User tests are conducted with an initial implementation, with the system configured in control and “parliamentary” modes. This experiment is done in the setting of a mechanical engineering senior capstone design course. The parliamentary mode is intended to encourage discussion and negotiation among participants, and allows them to design their own work processes. Review of the designs produced together with responses to a survey indicate the system was favorably received, and allowed a group to generate and select concept designs. Future research directions are suggested.