Lifetime Heterogeneity – Metrics and Framework for Data-driven Assessment in Early Design Stages

Lifetime heterogeneity (LTH) denotes variability in component lifetimes driven by different use and operation scenarios and degradation effects. A general framework for quantifying LTH in product architecture design is introduced. The approach defines two metrics (lt rel ,lt eff ), classifies data sources, and models physical and value lifetimes with scenario propagation. Applied to a shared e-scooter, the framework reveals component-level heterogeneity and trade-offs, visualized through heatmaps and lt rel - lt eff plots. The evidence links to architecture decisions, enabling modularization, targeted upgrades, and robustness screening under alternative futures. Beyond the demonstrator, the framework establishes a basis for standardized data selection and pre-processing policies, reusable model classes for physical and value lifetimes, and consistent reporting of scenario-wise uncertainty. This extends existing established methods for lifetime analysis by data-driven evaluation and scenario-wise analysis.