Preface

Product design is a comprehensive process related to the creation of new products. It starts from a set of ideas and concepts, and finally results in marketable products that meet specific requirements related to functionality, manufacturing, maintenance, reliability, ergonomics, efficiency, and, last but not least, cost. The design and manufacture of a product, whether new or existing, is a permanent concern and challenge. The ability to design and develop efficient products are key to success in today's dynamic global market.

This book is an open platform designed to establish and share knowledge developed by scholars, scientists, and engineers from all over the word about the product design process and its applications in various fields, especially those in engineering. The book is a forum for original and innovative research studies dealing with any relevant aspect of product design. It is especially dedicated to the most recent techniques for successful product design as well as to the most suitable software applications.

The book contains seven original chapters that provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art and modern trends in the field, reflecting the multidimensionality of the applications related to product design. Topics covered include development of new product design methodologies, implementation of effective methods for integrated products, development of more visualized environments for task-based conceptual design methods, development of engineering design tools based on 3D photogrammetry, adaptation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools for improving the construction site management process, and the use of virtual prototyping software platforms.

The book was edited by a group of scientists from the Department of Product Design, Mechatronics and Environment, Faculty of Product Design and Environment, Transilvania University of Brașov (Romania), namely, Professors Cătălin Alexandru and Codruța Jaliu and Associate Professor Mihai Comsit.

> **Prof. Dr. Eng. Cătălin Alexandru, Codruta Jaliu and Mihai Comşit** Department of Product Design, Mechatronics and Environment, Faculty of Product Design and Environment, Transilvania University of Brașov, Brașov, Romania

Section 1

Product Design Methods

**1**

Section 1
