Choose meaningful criteria
Agree on the criteria before judging the concepts. Consider the use case, manufacturing discussion, maintenance and how the design will be checked. Avoid creating a long list of overlapping criteria that makes one preference appear more objective. A simple table can show the available evidence, the uncertainties and the person responsible for each assessment.
Do not hide uncertainty in a total
A high score based on an assumption is different from a moderate score supported by a prototype. Note that distinction explicitly. Discuss any criterion that a concept cannot reasonably meet instead of relying solely on a weighted sum. Revisit the comparison when a supplier or test changes the evidence. The scorecard should reveal a decision, not manufacture certainty for a direction already chosen.
A practical review checklist
- Agree on criteria first.
- Show the supporting evidence.
- Keep assumptions visible.
Further reading
General design-planning material. Actual specifications, machine operation and safety decisions require suitable qualified expertise.