Incorporating Reverse Engineering and Competitive Analysis Techniques into the System Design Process: A JTRS HMS Case Study

Abstract

This case study highlights activities performed during a system design effort undertaken by the Joint Tactical Radio System Handheld, Manpack and Small Form Fit Program. A modified waterfall model comprised of three cyclic, yet overlapping phases (observation, visualization, and evaluation) provided structure for the iterative, Warfighter-centric system design process. Through analyses of existing commercial and military mobile handheld devices, the design team identified best practices that were worthy of emulation, practices that should be avoided, and practices that warranted further research. Design intelligence gleaned through the application of reverse engineering and competitive analysis techniques was used to guide interview question development and discussion during subject matter expert interviews, to narrow the scope of design options for test and evaluation, and to provide design direction. Insights gained from applying these techniques to system design and evaluation and the impact that their use had on the system's design are discussed.