Abstract: When studying the design process, many models, approaches and methods can be found. As these are all described in different types of diagrams, figures, lists and recipes, comparing them is not an easy task. Also when the results of interviews with or observations from designers have to be ordered, problems may arise. From the study of the design process, and the results of an investigation into the use of models, we will derive a reference model for the system design phase. For this we will also investigate complexity, concreteness and realization. The reference model can be used to find similarities and dissimilarities between different design processes, and to find possible connections between approaches. We will map several well-known design process models in the reference model.
Keywords: Design Process, Reference Model, System Design, Systems Engineering
