Identifying product shape relationships using principal component analysis

Product forms with multiple features, like automobiles, have traditionally accepted feature definitions and relationships between those features. These relationships drive how the product is created by focusing on expected, and accepted, feature development to push the form outside the traditional bounds. This paper uses principal component analysis to determine the fundamental characteristics within vehicle classes. The results of this analysis can then be considered by product designers to create new designs based upon the derived shape relationships. These new designs will be novel due to the non-traditional grouping of characteristics.