A main challenge in engineering represents the evaluation and selection of concepts in the early phase of product development. This decision making process is highly complex due to the various influence factors that have to be considered simultaneously. Actual methods used involve much know-how and experience and often imply an increased work effort and costs. To overcome these challenges a more effective concept selection process is needed. In this paper an intuitive and easy to apply method for concept evaluation and selection in engineering design is presented. The method is based on selection mechanisms found in nature and can be used in engineering and other related disciplines for concept development and information filtering. The collected and adapted selection mechanisms from nature and engineering are embedded within an application process. The user can apply the natureinspired process model to evaluate the designed concepts by using tailored K.O-criteria. The functionality of the process model is tested within two scenarios.     «

A main challenge in engineering represents the evaluation and selection of concepts in the early phase of product development. This decision making process is highly complex due to the various influence factors that have to be considered simultaneously. Actual methods used involve much know-how and experience and often imply an increased work effort and costs. To overcome these challenges a more effective concept selection process is needed. In this paper an intuitive and easy to apply method fo...     »