Function-Behavior-Structure Model of Design: An Alternative Approach

The Function-Behavior-Structure model (FBS) of design conceptualizes objects in terms of function, behavior, and structure. It has been widely utilized as a foundation for modelling the design process that transforms posited functions to a description of behaviors. Nevertheless, the FBS model is still regarded as a subjective and experience-based process and it provides no theory about how a function is transformed into behavior. Research has shown that the critical concepts of function and behavior have many different definitions. This paper suggests a viable alternative and contrasts it with the FBS framework of design using published study cases. The results point to several benefits gained by adopting the proposed method.