Reviewing the state-of-the-art design rationale definitions, representations and capabilities

This paper aims to identify how researchers have defined the concept of design rationale, report on the state-of-the-art design rationale representations and categorise the capabilities that design rationale currently has to offer. To guide this review of the literature, three research questions have been posed each addressing the specified aims of this paper. Design rationale is inherently linked to the explanation of a set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action in the generic context of design. New methods for representing design rationale have been developed since year 2000, many extending the seminal issue-based information system method. There are 13 categories of design rationale capabilities that have been identified in this review.