The application of product development methods in design and development projects demonstrably leads to optimized processes and more sucessful products. Therefore, a considerable number of internet portals is dedicated to provide engineers with method knowledge. However, their use in industry could be improved, if the specific needs of the users and the characteristics of the design situation were better addressed. In this contribution, the development of the CiDaD (Competence in Design and Development) knowledge base is outlined. The system, developed at the Institute of Product Development at the Technical University Munich (Technische Universität München), aims at a better situational and individual assistance in the selection, adaptation and application of product development methods. Structure, contents and particular characteristics of the database are described. Furthermore, scenarios for the use of the system and various means of access to relevant knowledge are presented, depending on the individual user and the design situation. The technical realization is also addressed. The paper concludes with a critical discussion and an outlook on future work.     «

The application of product development methods in design and development projects demonstrably leads to optimized processes and more sucessful products. Therefore, a considerable number of internet portals is dedicated to provide engineers with method knowledge. However, their use in industry could be improved, if the specific needs of the users and the characteristics of the design situation were better addressed. In this contribution, the development of the CiDaD (Competence in Design and Deve...     »