NETWORK-BASED DESIGN SYSTEMS AND METHODS

A network based product design system and method allows product design. The system comprises a central processing unit capable of product design; at least one communication link allows selective two-way communication to the central processing means; and a network selectively interconnects and communicates the central processing unit to at least one party through the at least one communication link. Each party that is connected to the central processing unit is capable of providing input regarding a product design, the network being capable of allowing the input to be simultaneously viewed by each party so that input made by one party is capable of being accessed by at least one other party. The method for designing a product over a network comprises displaying a model on a central processing unit, the model being representative of the product that is to be designed; permitting two-way communication to the central processing unit over communication links; and selectively interconnecting and communicating the product design through the central processing unit to at least one party over the at least one communication links.