Integrating physical and virtual testing to improve confidence in product design

Although testing is a value adding activity and improves confidence in design, lengthy physical testing in one phase can delay the product development process, because testing and design processes are closely intertwined. This study identifies that, due to long procurement times and lengthy physical tests, companies may have no choice but to redesign tasks before testing results are available in order to meet product delivery deadlines. This increases uncertainties therefore reduces confidence in design. This research proposes a model of integrated virtual and physical testing to support the testing and subsequent redesign phases of product development