The article introduces a new way to rank and compare different design solutions using a method called Independence Measure (IM) and Independence Priority Number (IPN) within the Axiomatic Design framework. By assessing the degree of functional coupling, design professionals can better understand the robustness of their proposed solutions early in the design process. This approach helps in distinguishing between potential solutions that have similar levels of functional coupling, allowing for a more informed decision-making process during conceptual design synthesis.