Why it matters
Engineering decisions are rarely about one metric. A trade study helps teams compare performance, cost, risk, complexity, schedule, manufacturability, and other constraints without losing the reasoning behind the choice.
What is a trade study?
A trade study compares design alternatives against criteria so engineering teams can make and preserve decisions with clear rationale.
Trade study
A trade study is a structured comparison of design alternatives against decision criteria. It helps teams decide between options by making the criteria, scores, assumptions, and rationale visible.
Common mistakes
- Choosing an option without preserving why
- Changing criteria after seeing the answer
- Letting the trade study live in a spreadsheet disconnected from the system it affects
Where this concept fits in Cairn
Cairn is not a dedicated trade-study engine today, but its model-centered workflow helps preserve the system context around decisions: requirements, interfaces, verification intent, alternatives, and ChangeSets.
FAQ
Is a trade study the same as a Pugh matrix?
No. A Pugh matrix is one method for comparing alternatives. A trade study is the broader decision-analysis activity.
Why do trade studies need traceability?
Traceability connects a decision to the requirements, assumptions, and system elements it affects.