Observations on some German contributions to engineering design in memory of professor Wolfgang Beitz

This paper, written in memory of Professor Wolfgang Beitz, discusses some of the influences of the work undertaken in Germany on systematic engineering design. It highlights differences between the language regions, and gives examples of design research and design education linked to Konstruktionslehre - the standard text on systematic engineering design for which Professor Beitz was most widely recognised outside Germany. The paper finishes with a plea for a greater exchange of ideas.