The Rational Model

The Rational Model was independently developed by Simon and Pahl and Beitz. It posits that:

- designers attempt to optimize a design candidate for known constraints and objectives,

- the design process is plan-driven,

- the design process is understood in terms of a discrete sequence of stages.

The Rational Model is based on a rationalist philosophy and underlies the Waterfall Model, Systems Development Life Cycle and much of the engineering design literature. According to the rationalist philosophy, design is informed by research and knowledge in a predictable and controlled manner. Technical rationality is at the center of the process.

Example sequence of stages

Typical stages consistent with The Rational Model include the following.

Pre-production design

Design brief or Parti – an early (often the beginning) statement of design goals

Analysis – analysis of current design goals

Research – investigating similar design solutions in the field or related topics

Specification – specifying requirements of a design solution for a product (product design specification) or service.

Problem solving – conceptualizing and documenting design solutions

Presentation – presenting design solutions

Design during production

Development – continuation and improvement of a designed solution

Testing – in situ testing a designed solution

Post-production design feedback for future designs

Implementation – introducing the designed solution into the environment

Evaluation and conclusion – summary of process and results, including constructive criticism and suggestions for future improvements

Redesign – any or all stages in the design process repeated (with corrections made) at any time before, during, or after production.

Criticism of The Rational Model

The Rational Model has been widely criticized on two primary grounds Designers do not work this way – extensive empirical evidence has demonstrated that designers do not act as the rational model suggests. Unrealistic assumptions – goals are often unknown when a design project begins, and the requirements and constraints continue to change.

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Section III. Texts for Masters	\|	The Action-Centric Model

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