Section 5: Technology Design Skills Have you ever designed a project for school? How did it go? Were there any problems? Did you have to do any parts over again?

The Technology Design Process -A method by which an idea for a new technology is developed into a final product. -Also called the engineering design process because it often involves the work of engineers. -An engineer is a person who is trained to use both technological and scientific knowledge to solve practical problems.

6 Steps to Designing New Technology 1. Identifying the Need 2. Researching the Problem 3. Designing the Solution 4. Building a Prototype 5. Troubleshooting and Redesigning 6.Communicating the Solution

Identifying the Need When engineers identify a need, they clearly define the problem they are trying to solve. Examples: -Must be Reliable -Must be Easy to Use -Not too Expensive to Produce

Researching the Problem -After defining a problem, engineers need to research it fully. -When engineers research a problem, they gather information that will help them in their tasks. Examples: -Read Books and Articles -Attend Conference -Perform Experiments -Do Customer Research

Designing a Solution -Once the problem is clearly understood, it is time to start thinking about solutions. -The solution stage involves coming up with ideas, or thinking about different ways to solve the problem. -Engineers weigh many possible solutions and choose the best one.

Designing a Solution Continued -Brainstorming is a process in which group members freely suggest any creative solutions that come to mind. -A constraint is any factor that limits or restricts a design. -A trade-off is an exchange in which one benefit is given up in order to obtain another.

Building a Prototype -A prototype is a working model used to test a design. -Prototypes are used to test the operation of a product, including how well it works, how long it lasts, and how safe it is to use.

Troubleshooting and Redesigning -The next stage in the design process is to identify the causes of any problems and to redesign the product to address the problems. -The process of analyzing a design problem and finding a way to fix it is called troubleshooting.

Communicating the Solution -Engineers must communicate to consumers how a product meets their needs. -They must also communicate with those involved in bringing the product to consumers. -Example: -Manufacturers -Marketing Department

Identify the Need Communicate Research Design Solution Troubleshoot Build Prototype

Optional Step 7 -Because new products may bring fame or wealth to an inventor or company, patents are usually obtained to protect the inventions. -A patent is a legal document issued by a government that gives the inventor exclusive rights to make, use, or sell the invention for a limited time.