Ten-Stage Design Process Design and Modeling Ten-Stage Design Process

What Is Engineering Design? “Engineering Design is the process of designing a system, component, or process to meet a desired need.” (Gomez et al 349)

Engineering Design cont. Continuous process Can be short and simple, or complex and in-depth processes Used for: Ongoing manufacturing processes One-time designs

Significant Factors Functionality Quality Safety Ergonomics Appearance Environmental Considerations Economics Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster http://www.enm.bris.ac.uk/research/nonlinear/tacoma/tacoma.html

Ten-Stage Design Process Begins with appointment of project manager Responsible for oversight of project Recruitment of team members of various backgrounds and expertise

Stage 1: Identify the Problem/ Product Innovation Establish the Problem Identify information sources to understand problem’s scope and nature Develop a preliminary, formal problem statement All correct issues and backgrounds have been explored

Stage 2: Define the Working Criteria and Goals Establish preliminary goals Act as focal points throughout process Determine working criteria Develop process goals Checkpoints for progress Example Working Criteria Questions Costs? Production Difficulty? Size, Weight, Strength? Appearance? Ease of Use? Safe to Use? Legality Concerns? Reliable & Durable?

Stage 3: Research & Gather Data All problem aspects explored with good, reliable background information What information is needed Best sources for information Organization is key

Stage 3: What Info is Needed? Published info on problem? Availability of existing solution? Who is providing info? Advantages and disadvantages to solution. Costs? Significant issue? Ratio of time spent compared to overall costs. Legal issues? Environmental concerns considered?

Stage 3: Sources for Information Trade Journal Libraries Professional Associations Trade Journals and Publications Newspapers and Magazines Market Assessment Surveys Government Publications Patent Searches and Listings (www.uspto.gov) Competition’s Products http://cronos.rutgers.edu/~weng/journals/jemt.html

Stage 4: Brainstorm and Generate Creative Ideas Develop as many creative solutions to the problem addressed as possible Consider all ideas “Dumb” ideas may lead to the final solution! Example of Brainstorming

Stage 5: Analyze Potential Solutions Phase I Generated ideas narrowed to few ideas Examine list and eliminate duplicates Similar ideas may remain, but not duplicate Clarifying questions offered by team Evaluation by vote

Stage 5: Analyze Potential Solutions Phase II Remaining ideas analyzed thoroughly and accurately 3 to 5 options should remain after analysis May have to start process over Analyzing Possibilities Common Sense Economic Analysis Estimation Compatibility Analysis Computer Analysis Techniques Conservative Assumptions

Stage 6: Develop and Test Models Modeling Method of illustrating a solution to a practical problem Types of Modeling Descriptive Functional Mathematical Computer CAD Model http://www.aerospaceboy.com/405/construction.htm

Stage 6: Develop and Test Models Testing Allows for comparing and evaluating against established criteria and goals Done throughout a project Early models Prototypes Quality Computerized Stress Test http://www.sgi.com/fun/gallery/

Stage 6: Develop and Test Models Testing Examples Durability Ease of Assembly Reliability Strength Functionality Environmental Considerations Quality and consistency Nissan Primera Crash Test http://www.crash-test.org/marques/resultat.php?mod=nispri_1997

Stage 7: Make the Decision Team members establish a means to compare and evaluate results of testing Working criteria will determine advantages and disadvantages of possible solutions Develop a Decision Table to visualize each solution’s merits

Stage 8: Communicate and Specify All information gathered reported to client Detailed written reports Summaries of technical presentations/memos Relevant e-mails Diagrams, charts, graphs Drawings and sketches Computer printouts Relevant documented material Last chance to make revisions/terminate

Stage 9: Implement and Commercialize Project Manager and Team Members Management and Key Personnel Technical Representatives Business Representatives Attorneys and Legal Support Staff

Stage 10: Post-Implementation Review and Assessment Project is probably in full production Team is terminated because task is complete Product Performance Review Assessment Report detailing product Used as reference for future project managers and teams Product Performance Review Data on production efficiency Quality Control Reports Money Issues Assessment Report Strengths & Weaknesses Outline what has been learned Suggest ways to improve process quality