A Networked Dynamical Systems Approach to Enable Optimal Design for Product Evolution (DfPE)
Project Description
The primary research objective is to establish an approach for Design for Product Evolution (DfPE) considering the dynamic nature of customers’ preferences, and how they are affected by the information received through their social network. The central hypothesis is that a computational framework for DfPE can be accomplished by integrating dynamic models of decision-making at multiple resolutions, specifically, Decision-Field Theory (DFT) for individual level customer decision-making, and opinion dynamics at the population level to model the influence of social networks on the customer demand. The research objective will be achieved by pursuing three thrusts: (1) Extending the DFT-based model to a multi-decision framework, (2) Modeling the demand dynamics for evolving products inspired by networked epidemic models, and (3) Integration of multi-resolution models for optimal design for product evolution. The research outcomes will be validated using diverse datasets and through collaboration with industry partners.
Start Date
January 1, 2026
Postdoc Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in demand modeling, AI, and/or control, excitement to develop and innovate new models and methods, excellent communication and collaborative skills, and independent drive. The candidate should also have a strong publication record for their career stage and field of expertise.
Co-advisors
Jitesh Panchal, jpancha@purdue.edu, ME, https://engineering.purdue.edu/DELP
Philip E. Paré, philpare@purdue.edu, ECE, https://sites.google.com/view/philpare
Bibliography
[1] I. Walter, P. E. Paré, and J. H. Panchal, “Modeling the dynamics of customer demand to determine the optimal time to release product updates: A cognitive approach,” in Proc. of the International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, vol. 87301, p. V03AT03A030, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2023.
[2] I. Walter, P. E. Paré, and J. H. Panchal, “A Cognitive Approach for Modeling Customer Demand Dynamics for Optimal Product Release Strategies." Journal of Mechanical Design 146, no. 8, p. 081706, 2024.
[3] I. Walter, P. E. Paré, and J. H. Panchal, “Demand estimation for evolving products considering network effects: A networked affinity dynamics model,” Journal of Computing and Information Science in Engineering, vol. 25, p. 061008, 2025.
[4] I. Walter, P. E. Paré, and J. H. Panchal, “Hybrid SIS Dynamics for Demand Modeling of Frequently Updated Products,” in Proc. of the American Control Conference (ACC), 2025.
[5] P. E. Paré, C. L. Beck, and T. Başar, “Modeling, Estimation, and Analysis of Epidemics over Networks: An Overview,” Annual Reviews in Control: Special Issue on Systems & Control Research Efforts Against COVID-19 and Future Pandemics, vol. 50, p. 345-360, 2020.