Decision Matrix to help with design spiral

A decision matrix is a tool that allows to quantify different elements of a design. To start with, each element is given a percentage of the total value within the design. This is a decimal and all the values added have a value of 1 and are called "weight". The weights are a combination of subjective values and constraints. I include an example on a comparison between solar panels and three different wind chargers. In this case noise is 0.2 (20%) of the total. In an isolated location it might be 0.0 and in a location with noise regulation 0.7. Personal preferences are also an influence. The matrix allows for comparison of diverse solutions to a problem, with all of them judged by the same standards.

 

A good way of summarising a complex problem.
I was looking for an element called Performance eg Output, but I suppose the 2 Efficiency lines could encapsulate that somehow.

 

It looks to be a spreadsheet so you will be able to add lines and columns for any parameters you like I would say and there might be an open source solution that is independent of spreadsheet software also. Speaking of open source software have you seen this little gem? Bareboat Necessities OS Documentation https://bareboat-necessities.github.io/my-bareboat/bareboat-os.html

 

It is usually in Excel. You can add as many rows or columns as needed.

 

Seems like they are only interested in electronics. I would put a spare anchor much higher in the list.

 

I am not sure if it is within the responsibilities of a boat management computer to deploy a secondary anchor, though I guess there could be automatic systems designed for controlling an anchor winch.

 

Hi, I have a few questions I would like to ask you, how can I contact you?

 

Message me through the forum. Click on my name and it gives you the option.

 

gonzo,
I like this tool.
A Bayes theorem formula tool? Looks very interesting.
I was a licensed Energy Rater for 9 yr part of my job was to do Savings to Investment Ratio (SIR) With REM Rate software for ENERGY STAR® New Homes etc...
There will be no money left on the table at the end of most of energy efficiency projects in less you have all of your ducks in a row and at least two tax credit or rebates from the Fed, State and or city. The manufacture, installer and middle person have done a SIR's also. That is not to say it is not a bad idea to do something on saving energy.

A Design Spirals can produce" Intuition Pumps"* and other tools to assist us in the designing process
but lacking in some key concepts that the decision matrix can produce. Because we are the computer with the Design Spirals process.
Here an example in Design Spiral in the Principles of Yacht Design By “Larson Eliasson“


I also add concepts in the spiral for what ever design I would want to design and try to look at the Design Spiral for each project before opening the shop up for work to see what I might not be paying enough attention to that could have a unintended consequences later on.

Here are some of Kant’s Judgements from his The Categorical Imperative** that I start with in my mashed-up of Kant and Design Spiral.
Quantity - the amount or number of something, especially that can be measured
Quality - of something can be determined by comparing a set of inherent characteristics with a set of requirements
Relationship - Are they on the same page as you and your goals, things or people that are willing to help you meet your ends.
Modus hoperandi - an individual's habits of working, particularly in the context of business or work
Consistency - a pattern of behaviour or performing in a similar way, or of always happening in a similar way.

We humans do this kind of thing all the time but in a Free Floating Rationale* methodology that like Darwin Theory of Evolution can be slow to change and will lead to many dead ends.

*Daniel Dennett is an American philosopher. "Intuition Pumps are Tools for Thinking"

**Kant's theory of judgment involves his answer to the question "How is knowledge of the pattern underlying intentional strategies of objective - true and justified - representation of empirical events possible?" When we problematize this question, the problem of the scope of our notion of consistency in empirical reasoning emerges.
“Thoughts without content are empty, Intuitions without concepts are blind”

 

I believe that it is good to use different methods and approaches. Often, they complement each other. The most important, in my opinion, is to find a way to be impartial in assessing a design. It is OK to pick something because you simply like it. However, it is not OK to insist that it is the best because you like it. Another thing an impartial assessment will show, is when it is time to cut the losses and give up a design or project. This is probably the hardest for everyone.