ABSTRACT
This paper describes the application of design patterns in a case study on microsystems development. The case study was conducted in the scope of the Collaborative Research Centre 499 (SFB 499). The SFB 499 aims at developing new production technologies for prototyping and mass-production of microsystems. These production technologies (e.g. Micro Powder Injection Moulding or Micro Casting) allow processing a vast variety of materials, especially metals and ceramics and enable to produce 3D free form geometries. In this context design patterns are used as a means to capture the fast growing design know-how in this new field and to provide knowledge-based design support in the future.
The pattern approach in microsystems development is explained in its theoretical context. In previous design projects, experts on microsystems development elicited design patterns, capturing micro-specific design know-how. In this case study these design patterns were given to a design team inexperienced in microsystems development and not familiar with the design pattern approach. Use of patterns, benefits and drawbacks are described on the basis of a single pattern example.
Inexperienced designers were enabled to detect weaknesses in their designs. Nevertheless, pattern retrieval is still suboptimal and subject to future research efforts. The results of this case study show that design patterns are helpful in developing and optimizing microsystems.
Keywords: Design patterns, Pattern languages, Knowledge management, Design support, Microtechnology, Wiki.
