ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the case study of the concurrent design methods in solving the design barrier created by the inherent mechanical properties of kenaf composite materials toward improving product performance. Decision-making in kenaf composite material selection involves two stages, namely the screening stage and ranking stage. The analytic hierarchy process method was applied in the decision-making process and the final results showed that kenaf fibers are the most suitable candidate material to form the hybrid composites for automotive parking brake lever components. Natural fiber composites (NFC) product development is especially related to kenaf composites, and the product requires the simultaneous consideration of different aspects which are materials, design, and manufacturing in the early stage of the design process. The implementation of the concurrent design method in NFC product development can contribute in shorter design cycle and reducing the product design time. Kenaf composites have a lower density compared to steel, and are therefore able to produce lighter shelf bracket components.
