Design Process

Engineering design is a systematic, creative, and iterative (repetitive)process for addressing challenges. When a manufacture can produce a product over and over the same way every time they have a design process, they might use an assembly line that implements people or robots.

When designing, engineers must make informed choices based upon the following: knowledge about the design problem revising the choices at any point in the process restraints like time and money

Constraints of a Design Limiting factors that must be considered Time Money Resources People

Informed Design Method for making choices based on design problem Method for making choice based on knowledge about the design problem and then revising as needed Process of making choices and decisions that lead to an acceptable solution

Professionals Professionals that might use the informed design process include: Engineers Technologists Designers (artists) Architects

Identify the problem to be solved First Step Identify the problem to be solved

Second Step Research possible solutions to the problem

Brainstorm with other professionals on possible solutions Third Step Brainstorm with other professionals on possible solutions

Fourth Step Choose the best solution, give a reason, consider the resources Know the specifications or requirements Consider constraints or limits

Fifth Step Build a model or prototype (test model) Engineers must determine how good the product is and how it is part of a solution

Sixth Step Test the solution A car made for driving in snow would not test the same if tested in the desert so it is important that the test is relative to the problem.

Seventh Step Communicate with other people your solution, the test results, and how it solved the problem

Eighth Step Redesign if necessary, make changes as needed