Frank Neumann focuses on establishing a theoretical basis that allows a description of the interplay between individual and collective processes in product development. For this purpose, he introduces the integrated descriptive model of knowledge creation as the first constituent of his research framework. As a second part of the research framework, an analysis and modeling method is proposed that captures the various knowledge conversion activities described by the integrated descriptive model of knowledge creation. Subsequently, this research framework is applied to the analysis of knowledge characteristics of mechatronic product development (MPD). Finally, the results gained from the previous steps are used within a design support system that aims at federating the information and knowledge resources contained in the models published in the various development activities of MPD.

Frank Neumann is professor at the HTW Berlin University of Applied Sciences. He teaches classes in software architecture, software engineering and CAD.

Descriptive Model of Knowledge Creation in Interdisciplinary Product Development.- Research Framework for the Analysis of Knowledge Characteristics of Product Development.- Process Elements of MPD.- Semantic Technologies and Architecture for Design Support System in MPD.