On the Journey from Design Optimization to Design Science

 

Abstract:

Design Optimization is an engineering discipline that has matured in theory and practice. Design Science studies the creation of artifacts and their embedding in our physical, psychological, economic, social, and digital environments. Design optimization needs good-enough mathematical models of reality. Design Science aims to deepen our understanding of wicked problems in a technology-driven society and to contribute to their positive resolution. I offer a personal perspective on the evolution of traditional functionality-based design optimization into serving the broader Design Science aims. This evolution involved linking engineering with the behavioral and social sciences, business and computer science, where the primary linking mechanism – besides setting biases aside – was mathematical modeling.

 

Biography:

Panos Y. Papalambros is the James B. Angell Distinguished University Professor and the Donald C. Graham Professor of Engineering at the University of Michigan, with appointments in Mechanical Engineering, Architecture and Urban Planning, Art and Design, and Integrative Systems & Design. His pedagogical and research interests include design science and design optimization, with applications to sustainable design of products and systems; automotive systems such as hybrid and electric vehicles; design of complex engineered systems; and architectural design. With D. J. Wilde, he co-authored the textbook Principles of Optimal Design (3d Ed., 2017). He has served as president of the Design Society and chief editor of the ASME Journal of Mechanical Design. He is currently editor-in-chief of the Design Science journal.