Research tools for design margins
MARVIN
Margin analysis for 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
Screenshot of the MARVIN tool interface showing the Margin Analysis Network and Margin Value Plot MARVIN interface
Overview Modules Cite
01

About MARVIN

Engineering products carry margins — deliberate or unintentional excess in performance, capacity, or capability beyond what is strictly required. Margins absorb uncertainty and accommodate change, but they also add weight, cost, and complexity. Knowing where they are, what they are worth, and how to manage them is a recurring problem in design.

MARVIN brings together three complementary methods for reasoning about margins in a web-based research environment. Each module addresses a different question, and the modules can be used independently or together as part of a broader margin-management workflow.

Design Margins Change Propagation Engineering Design Decision Support
02

Modules

3
Module 01 Margin Value Analysis Build calculation graphs, run sensitivity studies, redesign analysis, and probabilistic assessments using the Margin Value Method. Read module Module 02 Margin Deployment Cascading Map margin allocation from stakeholder needs through requirements and architecture to design parameters using cascading matrices. Read module Module 03 Probabilistic Margin Analysis Build element DSMs, assign likelihood and impact of change propagation, and run Clarkson's CPM to identify margin-critical couplings. Read module
03

Cite the method

Reference
Brahma, A. & Wynn, D. C. (2021). Margin value method for engineering design improvement. Research in Engineering Design, 32(4), 461–480.
10.1007/s00163-020-00335-8