Open design and knowledge integration in semiotic manufacturing integration

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to analyse Open Design from a perspective of knowledge integration in semiotic manufacturing integration. It proposes a framework for analysis based on the idea of distinguishing syntactical knowledge from semantic and pragmatic knowledge, as a conceptual tool to assess the issues involved. It reviews Free Software and Open Source Software as the origins of Open Design, and presents a brief survey of the current expression of Open Design in the Web. It analyses prospects for manufacturing integration set forth by Open Design at the inter-enterprise and market levels.

Keywords:

• human factors
• socio-technical systems
• knowledge integration
• open design
• free software
• open source software
• semiotic manufacturing integration

Acknowledgements

Reviewers' comments were decisive for the improvement of previous versions of the manuscript. This research had financial support from Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia under its Plurianual programme.