The Engineering Design Process

What is the Engineering Design Process? The Engineering Design Process (EDP) is a systematic method for solving technological problems Different from the Scientific Method (a systematic method for answering questions) Consists of six steps: Identify and state the problem List criteria and constraints Brainstorm solutions Select the best solution Develop/construct the solution Test and refine the solution

Step 1: Identify the Problem What is a technological problem? A problem is an individual or societal need Technology is the purposeful modification of the environment to solve a problem A technological problem is a problem that may be solved through the development or improvement of technology The first step in the EDP is to identify the technological problem Write a problem statement for the current design challenge: A one or two sentence statement that answers the following: What is the problem? What will solving it accomplish

Step 2: Criteria and Constraints What are criteria? Criteria = a set of standards that determines whether a solution is successful or not Usually a list of things the solution must accomplish Examples: The solution must be able to carry a payload of 1 kg while airborne for 15 feet The solution must be able to turn on a pump when the water level drops below 6 inches What is a constraint? Constraint = limitations on the solution The solution must cost no more than $500 to produce The solution must not exceed 18 inches in length, width, or height Write a list of criteria and a list of constraints for this design challenge Many criteria and constraints are given in the Rubric See if you can identify any others that aren’t listed in the Rubric

Step 3: Brainstorming What is brainstorming? Brainstorming = writing down a list of possible solutions as quickly as possible The goal is to list many general ideas Don’t worry about details at this stage Don’t worry about whether each solution is ultimately workable More ideas increases your chances of success Brainstorm a list of possible solutions You should list a minimum of 5 different ideas The more ideas, the better!

Step 4: Selecting a Solution How do you select a solution? List the positive and negative points of each idea from your brainstorming list Consider the criteria and constraints you listed Eliminate ideas that don’t meet the criteria or constraints Eliminate solutions that have few positive points or many negative points Choose the solution that you think will be easiest to accomplish while meeting all criteria and constraints Select your solution Choose a solution from your list of brainstormed ideas It is okay to add new ideas to your brainstorming list at any point

Step 5: Develop/Construct Solution What steps should you follow to construct a solution? Develop a plan Sketch what the solution will look like – include measurements and detailed views Decide who will do what List needed materials and tools Gather needed materials and tools Construct the solution Include a log of your daily activities in your Design Notebook When you have to make changes, record them in your Design Notebook Construct your solution! Be sure to document everything in your design notebook!

Step 6: Test and Refine the Solution Test the solution to see if it works as expected Test different components of the solution individually Test the whole solution Determine what works and what doesn’t Make a list of things to fix or improve Refine the solution After testing, fix or improve it so that it works better! Test and Refine your solution

Review The Engineering Design Process (EDP) is a systematic method for solving technological problems Different from the Scientific Method (a systematic method for answering questions) Consists of six steps: Identify and state the problem List criteria and constraints Brainstorm solutions Select the best solution Develop/construct the solution Test and refine the solution