THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GUIDELINE VDI 2221 - THE CHANGE OF DIRECTION

Abstract

Design guidelines, especially the VDI 2221, have been developed over the past 50 years. Analyzing this development gives interesting insights into the changing character of the design guidelines. Special insights are obtained concerning the intention and direction of the guidelines. These insights give, on the one hand, explanations for the still reserved application and acceptance of design guidelines, and on the other hand, evidence of their improvement. This paper aims to give an overview of the development of the design guidelines in German-speaking lands, point out certain aspects of changes (aim, advice, instructions, terminology, and description) and provide ideas about the consequences and potentials of these changes.