Development methods

This section provides a description of four methods that will be used for the development of the docking system; IPD, Pugh’s method, a modified Waterfall method and SMART.

3.2.1 Integrated Product Development

Integrated Product Development, IPD, is commonly a very hardware-focused method.

However, it can be applied to any product development process, both for physical products and for processes or big systems. The general purpose of IPD is to ensure that all phases included in the development of a product are done thoroughly and in the correct order. The method has roots in the United States and was first mentioned by Mogens Myrup Andreasen in his book “Integrated Product Development” [8]. IPD promotes continuous learning and continuous improvement of a product or a process through the utilization of

Figure 3-2: An illustration of the unit circle which defines the positive axes and angles, and polar coordinates that will be used for calculations.

data tools, data communication, and nonetheless, the collaboration between people with different expertise and background through multidisciplinary platforms.

IPD can also be used to help structure the development and to maintain focus both EHS, economy, and the use of resources so that important aspects are not left behind [9]. EHS is very important in the development of the Thorvald concept, which also contributes to NMBU’s goal of adding sustainable value to the development of society through innovation [10].

In the process of developing an autonomous docking system for Thorvald, integrated product development will be utilized to structure the research and development, to ensure continuous learning and improvement, and to ensure that important aspects are not left out.

3.2.2 Pugh’s Method

Pugh’s method promotes three main elements; definition, metric specification, and controlled convergence. The method includes the mapping of customer needs to determine measurable specifications for a product or a process. Concept alternatives are then generated based on the specifications, and Pugh’s selection method used to determine which is more optimal.

Pugh’s selection method uses weighted matrices to evaluate concept alternatives based on criteria set by the specifications. In these matrices, alternatives receive scores based on how well they meet the criteria. Pugh’s selection ensures controlled convergence into choosing the most appropriate solution to a problem [11]. In this thesis, the method will be used to define the system specifications and requirements and to select concepts for a final solution.

3.2.3 The Waterfall Method

The Waterfall method is commonly used in software development to ensure progress in projects. The waterfall method is known to be rigid and requires that one development phase is finished before a new phase can begin. In this thesis, a modified version of the method will be used as a guideline for software development.

Figure 3-3 illustrates the Waterfall method with a modified workflow [12].

The first step of the Waterfall method involves the collection of relevant information to determine requirements for a system. The requirements are often used as the basis for a system design in the second step. When a system design is specified, an architecture for the system can be determined,

and the coding process can begin. Figure 3-3: An Illustration of the

The Waterfall method suggests that a system is developed in individual parts, for which each element can be tested to ensure the desired functionality. When the software is complete, it can be verified through testing and implemented with the remaining parts of the system [13]. The classic Waterfall method does not allow going back to previous stages.

However, the modified workflow is proposed because the navigation system will mainly be constructed of hardware-based software which requires continuous testing, tuning, and improvement.

3.2.4 SCAMPER

SCAMPER is a multidisciplinary method that can be utilized in almost any phase of product development. to find new solutions to the problems considered throughout the development. To do so, SCAMPER suggests, mainly, seven different strategies; substitute (S), combine (C), adapt (A), modify/minimize/maximize (M), purpose (P), eliminate (E), rearrange/reverse (R). Often, many of these strategies are used without the developer being aware of it.

For this thesis, the four strategies highlighted in Figure 3-4 will be used. Combine will be used to determine if any functions can be combined or created as modules. Adapt is already used to adapt general product and software development methods to fit the purpose of this thesis and will be further used to determine if existing technology can be adapted to solve the main problem. Modify and Eliminate will be used in the final phase to analyze the software and reveal potential for improvements to ensure a robust and efficient solution.

3.2.5 SMART

SMART is a method often used for goal setting. The name of the method is an acronym made from criteria considered necessary for a well-defined goal. The description given in Table 3-7 on the next page will be used in this thesis. SMART will, throughout the thesis, be used as a guideline tool to make feasible and concrete goals for both system specifications and potential experiments [16].

Figure 3-4: An illustration of SCAMPER with corresponding strategies. The strategies that are most relevant for this project are highlighted.

Table 3-7: The chosen definition for the SMART abbreviation.

S M A R T

Specific Measurable,

motivational Achievable Reasonable Time-based