Assessing the usefulness of a taxonomy of design requirements for manufacturing

An assessment of the usefulness of a taxonomy of design requirements for ma nufacture is presented. The taxonomy describes the various issues that manu facturing imposes on the design of a product. The requirements themselves c an be entered into this taxonomy at the appropriate level. The usefulness o f this taxonomy is shown experimentally to determine whether the benefits o f using it are worth the work it necessitates. The three-level taxonomy is relatively complete, perceptually orthogonal, and consistent in its level o f abstractness. All of these factors constitute a sound taxonomy. Use of th e taxonomy led to a greater number of requirements which were, overall, muc h more useful to the development of a quality product.