Problem Solving Uxbridge High School Engineering Design Process AKA

The Problem Solving Spiral Define The Problem Clearly Think Of Alternative Solutions Choose The Best Solution Make a Prototype Evaluate or test the Solution You can restart at any step if revisions are needed. Gather Information Communicate the Solution Begin Production Redesign as needed (Model may be a circle, steps or other shape) B

Scientific Method & Design Process Compared State the problem Collect information Form a Hypothesis –an explanation that can be tested Perform the experiment Analyzes the results Repeat the process with other samples –Reporting the findings State the problem Gather information Create alternative solutions Select the best solution Create a prototype Evaluate or test the prototype Communicate the results of the test Redesign as needed C2 C

Describe The Problem Page 1 of 2 What is the problem or need? The first step is to Clearly Identify The Problem –Write the problem in one or two sentences. –Write it down helps to organize thoughts and understanding. –Read your sentences or say the problem out loud –The best way is to say it to others. Listeners help to check if it is truly the problem or is more to the problem. D

Stating the problem in Detail Page 1 of 2 –Also list all design constraints which are the Specifications which are the guidelines or regulations And Limitations. which is the resources that are available or not available. Describe the problem, a List goals or what needs to be accomplished. E

Gather Background Information Research saves valuable resources –(Labor, Materials, Energy, Capital ($) and Time) Helps to design a better product or service Extra time spent on this step most often saves time etc. later. Examine current issues, and trends Companies do market research to see if customers want a product (Market Analysis, Product Surveys) Explore other options via internet, library, interviews, Etc. F

Develop Alternative Solutions Alternative Solutions are different possibilities that may solve the same problem. Five ways of finding alternatives: Past experience, Trial and error, Brainstorming, Insight or by Accident Brainstorming - each person makes suggestions without evaluation during the brainstorm meeting. –R–Rule of Brainstorming: Listen to all ideas as it may lead to other ideas or solutions. No Put Downs! –G–Good brainstorming practice is to write every idea down for later reference. G

Select The Best Solution First, compare the solutions & the stated problem to see if the goals or intentions are met & it is within the resource limitations. A tool that can help is to list advantages and disadvantage of each alternative to aid in selecting the best solution. Other considerations –Impacts on society, environment and individuals should be a consideration. –Values and morals - the way we feel about something –Tradeoffs - A compromise - we accept some risks in order to obtain benefits compromise You Can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometime, you get what you need. ~ The Rolling Stones H

Create a Prototype Implement or Actually building or creating the solution –put the solution into effect –to create the actual solution A prototype is a working model Simulation - a away of testing solution in near real conditions (astronaut & pilot training) I

Evaluate The Solution Prototypes usually first build and used for testing or evaluating a solution or plan to see if it meets the needs to solve the problem. A prototype is a working model It is evaluated to see if it meets the design constraints are specifications and limitations. Technology often becomes obsolete. –Companies that continue to evaluate often develop new (up-grades) technologies and avoid having the company become obsolete. J

Communicate the solution(s) Make an Engineering Presentation. Include how the solution best meets the needs of the problem. Discuss impacts to society, individuals, and the environment. An explanation of the trade-offs for each solution and why this design is the best solution. K

Begin production Redesign as needed Redesign based on information gathered during tests and presentations. When design is finalized begin (mass) production. Continue to monitor after production. –Improve products based on consumer input. –Improve production methods to reduce costs, improve safety for consumers and employees. –Best solutions work well, are economical and cause the least harm to people and the environment. L

Technology does have positive and negative impacts! Technology does have positive and negative impacts! Background to Problem Solving For the best results follow the problem solving procedures, don’t skip steps. Keep a record of all ideas. Remember good solutions often require trade-offs. The best solutions work well, are economical, and causes the least harm to people or the environment. Depends on values, who possesses the technology, and the trade-offs M

Very Soon!!!! Evaluation!!! Study Hard and Good Luck