Engineering Design Process

The Engineering Design Process is a systematic, iterative problem solving method which produces solutions to meet human wants and desires.

Tangible end products that meet our needs and desires. How it works The process of engineering design takes into account a number of factors. Tangible end products that meet our needs and desires. Uses Systematic application of mathematical, scientific and technical principles

6. Consider Alternative Solutions Engineering Design Process Steps 12. Communicate Results 1. Define a Problem 11. Refine/Create 2. Brainstorm Possible Solutions 10. Test & Evaluate 3. Generate ideas 9. Make Model/Prototype 4. Research Ideas & Explore Possibilities 8. Develop Written Design Proposal 7. Select an Approach 5. Specify Criteria & Identify Constraints 6. Consider Alternative Solutions

Define the Problem Designer clearly outlines what human need or want exists to solve the problem. Often design problems are not clearly defined. Designers may have to investigate to define the problem. For example, a company might call you in and ask you to solve the problem of the company losing money Determine why the company is losing money What problem needs fixing

Brainstorm Designers generate ideas without consideration of limitations to the design. Brainstorming is a group or individual problem-solving design process in which each person in the group presents his or her ideas in an open forum.

Generate Ideas This is a step where designers can let their imaginations run free with suggestions from the brainstorming session.

Research Ideas & Explore Possibilities Research to determine if a solution to the problem already exists Can another solution/product be adapted to solve the problem Is there mathematical or scientific information related to the problem that needs to be collected through research? Materials Testing needed?

Identify Criteria & Specify Constraints Identifying criteria and specifying constraints will provide the basis for what the design should be and what its limits are. Criteria identify the desired elements and features Constraints involve the limitations The possibilities are measured up against the defined criteria and constraints.

Consider Alternative Solutions Other solutions could work just as well as the one selected by the designer. Other solutions might be simpler or less expensive and therefore more desirable.

Select an Approach Based on the analysis, the designer chooses the solution that best meets the criteria and constraints. The selection of an approach is closely documented. In the event that the solution does not work, the designer may need to repeat steps

Develop a Written Design Proposal A design proposal is a written plan that specifies what the design will look like and what resources are needed to develop it. It can be communicated through sketches, drawings, models and written instructions

Make a Model Or Prototype Models allow designers to make a smaller version to save time and money Physical, mathematical, graphic, & CAD models can be used A prototype performs exactly as the final solution and is used for testing. A mock up physically looks like the final solution, but does not perform as the final solution.

Test & Evaluate the Design Using Specifications Models and/or prototypes are tested according to criteria Does design meets established criteria ? What areas need refinement? Data is collected from testing to assist in the next step.

Refine/Create the Design Based on the evaluation and testing results, designers refine the design of the product. Refinement and optimization include Function (making it work better) Economic (giving it market appeal) Ethical (making it safer) The product is then mass produced to be sold to the target market. Designers and Engineers work together to design a cost effective and time efficient process for producing the product.

Communicate the Results Designers need to communicate their results to perpetuate innovation and so others with similar problems can learn from their design process. Communication of the design process can include design portfolios, journals, drawings, sketches or schematics.