Creating Synergies between MBSE and Design Thinking

Important results from the project

The aim was to transfer knowledge from previous research, but also to get direct experience of organizational challenges that arise when prototypes and testing increasingly are done in virtual form when developing complex systems. During the months I stayed at Saab, through daily participation in everything from meetings and workshops to courses and regular lunch discussions, I have learned a lot about the special conditions that apply within an organization that develops complex, critical systems with long time perspectives and irregular opportunities to start over from scratch.

Expected long term effects

The purpose of the project was to create a strong research collaboration between Saab, LiU and Stanford University on the possibilities of combining MBSE (focus on system definition and understanding, and virtual models) and Design Thinking (focus on user needs and quick, simple physical prototypes) in the development of complex systems. . The outcome was great mutual learning, drafts for two joint research projects, continued cooperation and experimentation in the fall, as well as a draft of a new master´s program.

Approach and implementation

I used a DT-inspired method. I spent a total of three months at Saab and was placed at the Department of Method Support, shared rooms with two change leaders and was part of the daily routine there. I did interviews ranging from people from flight-testing to measuring to understand the work, and participated in training and courses. We jointly went to Stanford one week in December where we had workshops to define what we wanted to accomplish together. In May I went back there for further discussions and refinement.