Research tools for design margins

MARVIN

Research tools for analysing design margins in complex engineered systems

Three integrated modules — parametric margin valuation, top-down margin allocation, and probabilistic margin risk — built around the Margin Value Method.

Open tool References
Module 2 · MARVIN

Margin Deployment Cascading

Worked examples of cascading margin allocation across abstraction levels.

Case studies in preparation Detailed write-ups, example matrix data, and result figures will be added as each case is published.

Featured cases

Illustrative example

Consumer product margin allocation

An illustrative cascade on a small consumer product. Stakeholder needs (cost, weight, durability) are translated into measurable requirements, then mapped onto a small architecture (housing, mechanism, fastener), and finally onto design parameters such as wall thickness, fastener diameter, and material grade.

The case shows how target margins on individual design parameters can be traced all the way back to the stakeholder needs that justify them.

Domain: Mechanical · consumer product Levels: 3 (needs → requirements → architecture → parameters) Status: Illustrative
In preparation

Industrial cascade studies

Cascade studies from industrial collaborations — including an aerospace subsystem and an additive-manufactured component — will be published here as they are released. These will include de-identified matrix data and a discussion of how the cascade interacts with the existing requirements-management workflow.

Status: in preparation Updated: 2026

Have a case to share?

If you have applied a margin cascade in your own work and would like it featured, please get in touch via the contact page.