Creating Dynamic Requirements Through Iteratively Prototyping Critical Functionalities

Abstract

This paper introduces the wayfaring model for requirement generation. Rather than pre-fixing requirements, we propose exploring unknown unknowns, and suggest finding and adapting the emerging set-based requirements while exploring. Fundamentally, as primary navigation tool towards final requirements, we propose to find and use critical functionalities iteratively, within interlaced knowledge domains. The model argument is based on two cases: The developments of a conceptual desktop plastic injection molder incl. control system, and the iterative prototyping of molds for a lightweight carbon fiber composite bike saddle. In both projects, the critical functionalities dominate the direction of the next prototype and consequently proven design specifications emerge.