The use of a decision matrix to prioritize SOR items in the boat design process

Gonzo might do it as a "SOP" to you !
NOUN
sops (plural noun)

1. a thing of no great value given or done as a concession to appease someone whose main concerns or demands are not being met:
   

 

Wait and see

 

Firstly @TANSL and Mr Efficiency. Please don't hijack the thread.
Secondly, decision matrices are not constrained to any particular process. It is a tool for deciding using the scientific method. I attached an example of a simple chart to compare a proposed structure with 1, 2 or 4 legs.

 

I am loosely familiar with the general idea, but I'd like to see one illustrated, that is specific to boat design. Someone trumpeting the idea may have one to "show and tell". I would just like to better understand the advantage of it.

 

The problem with all such things, of course, is the weightage and ratings applied, which when you start multiplying together, small variations in both, can give a rather different result. Accurate allotment of values becomes crucial.

 

An example relating to a boat, would be very illustrative and would give us an idea of the potentiality of the method.
Mr. Moderator, I think this response is not offensive, so I hope you do not delete it. Thank you.

 

Thank you Tansl. Your previous post in the thread was reported as being rude so was removed. Sometimes the way you phrase things combined with the frequency you direct posts towards one or two other members over and over creates unnecessary friction. Thanks for your understanding and your help to keep threads more productive.

 

Do you really think that asking for an example of a certain novel (for me at least) method is "hijack the thread"?. Why was my post rude, because I was telling the truth with some sarcasm?

Is not this rude or offensive ?: I do not think so, because this character has no height to offend me, but I'm sure he meant to offend me.

<removed this comment as well now in order to try and keep the thread away from further jabs.>

 

The value of a matrix is that the discussion narrows to the value of a particular element. For example, cost can be 80% of the total value for someone in a tight budget, or 2% for someone with a huge budget. Every element of the design can be evaluated as a unit and then integrated into the whole. It also offers the flexibility of changing the weights dynamically. A change in regulations or the economy may force a change in the weight of an item. I think you should not look at it as a problem, but as a valuable tool to limit the scope of a decision.

 

I get the feeling it is so arbitrary and subjective , as to the parameters chosen, the weightage and ratings given, as to be of dubious value. I constructed one in a few minutes, but of what usefulness ?

 

It is probably a translation issue, but the way you phrased your reply seemed extremely insincere, and thus the post would have acted more to get under another member's skin and cause irritation rather than adding value to the thread.

 

Very interesting but, how do you apply that to the design of a boat?

 

Then clearly you don't design the way the rest of us do...see my previous post.

 

That is the value of the matrix. It separates the arbitrary and subjective values. Therefore, you don't discuss whether a design is better or worse, but whether a particular item is better or worse. It makes comparisons possible, as the arbitrary preferences are clear and not muddled as part of a whole design. In other words, if you, for example, hate white boats that color would have a low value. If, on the other hand, you like double enders, that would have a high value. It makes people define their preferences.

 

End users have a habit of changing their minds about what is important, with experience. The idea that a designer would play along with a customer who has a skewed idea of what matters, seems absurd. The experience of the designer should trump notions that won't survive where "the rubber meets the road". So who decides the parameters to be rated, and the weightage ? I rather prefer the idea of a designer who declines a job, because they think the customer is being unrealistic, than one that always manages to come up with a design, or says he can.