TAD Section 2.2* — Function-Level Concepting

* This is TAD Section 2.3 for “Failure-Resolution” Projects.

1     Organization and Formatting

1.1    General (same as for other B-sheets; follow this link for easy reference)

1.2    Sheet-Specific — Making it All Fit

How you lay out the information on the sheet is up to you.  The example provided is simply an example.  Depending on the relative size and aspect ratio of your function structure diagram, rearranging may be needed.  Of course, as usual, the Page Input textbox should be at the top left and the Page Output textbox should remain at the bottom, better yet at the bottom right if at all possible.

2     Content Presentation

  • Commence the page by populating the Page Input In this case, the page input includes any special opportunities, such as for multi-functionality, or limitations, such as functional means you should steer away from either due to advise or requirement by your customer or related challenges you have uncovered.
  • Insert a graphical rendering of the morph chart from the DP Manager Excel workbook.  Use the copy table buttons (in this case without the heading (“Copy Table Only”) for the TAD).  As previously noted, (and the last reminder why to do it this way), the code that the button triggers places a good resolution picture graphic on the clipboard for then pasting into any other destination.
  • In the one or more Notes textboxes (configured as noted above), provide in bullet point lists descriptions elaborating on any function-level concept that is not obviously and completely described by its short title in the chart. Also, make note of any multi-functionality potentials you have conceived.  Emphasize any concepts that come with uncertainty as to their ability to really provide the function desired (common when using commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) items in unconventional and creative ways).  Also emphasize concepts that are particularly exciting for what they will provide.  Often, but not always, the former (uncertainty) and latter (exciting) are connected.
  • Complete the page by populating the Page Output textbox.  In this case, the page output simply includes where this information is next used and for what and/or how it is used (“where next”).

3     Examples of Great Work

Do a great job and be the first!


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© 2017, William J. Endres Updated September 09, 2022