A similarity measurement framework of product-service system design cases based on context-based activity model

Abstract

Design experience from previous design cases could help designers solving current design problems. Therefore, a case-based recommender system can recall suitable design cases for designers based on a similarity measurement mechanism. In the context of Product-Service System (PSS) design, the measurement of similarity between different cases becomes more challenging because of the complex nature of the PSS design. In this research, we propose a similarity measurement framework of PSS design cases based on the context-based activity model. In the proposed framework, a PSS design case is indexed and quantified by design activity element, design process, and function requirement. Ways to measure similarity between design indexes and design cases are also specified. A case study along with an empirical validation was conducted to validate the framework. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.