1. Project Learning in Capstone Design
See examples from past capstone projects at and

2. Product Development is a Process!!
Project Learning is part of the Process
Project Learning
Roadmap
Conceptual Design / Prototyping
Detailed Design
Fabrication Validation
Product

3. Goals for Project Learning
Agreement on the Scope of the project
What is the target? (i.e. when are we DONE?)
What knowledge and skills are required to achieve the target?
You Are Here!
Project Learning
Roadmap
Conceptual Design / Prototyping
Detailed Design
Fabrication Validation
Product

4. Importance of Project Learning
Opportunity to be Innovative
Cost of Change
(Mistakes)
Project Timeline
Project Learning
Roadmap
Conceptual Design / Prototyping
Detailed Design
Fabrication Validation
Product

5. Where to Spend Resources?
Early in the Design Process
Later in the Design Process
Broadly defined project
Idea generation
Problem definition
High level engineering analysis
Detailed design
Design refinement
Experts Spend a Lot of Time Here!
Project learning adds value (Jain and Sobek, Atman)

6. Three Areas of Project Learning
People
User groups
Focus groups
Ride-Alongs
Product
Competitive Analysis
Observations
Dissection
Technology
Experimentation
Prototyping
Math Models

7. Identify Stakeholders and Experts
Stakeholders have interest in new product
External customers:
Purchaser
End user
Internal customers:
Manufacturing Marketing / Service / Aftermarket
Financial / Business leaders
What is important to each of them?
Experts have specific knowledge
Usually have years of experience
Know the pitfalls and solutions tried before
Can help you focus your direction
But, don’t let them close your mind
Who are your stakeholders?
People

8. Interviewing Stakeholders
Groups  Individuals
Find out the needs and constraints
Focus on “What is needed?”
Not on “How to do it?”
Often, stakeholders want to think about solutions and share their own experiences
Take a step back  Needs
People

9. Ask Questions & Challenge Assumptions
The 5 Whys:
Root Cause Analysis:
The “problem”.
Why?
My car won’t start.
The battery is dead.
Alternator doesn’t work.
Belt is broken.
Belt is old.
Car has not been maintained regularly.
Root Cause!
People

10. Do you have a list of at least 20 good questions for your client?
Interview Guidelines
Observe things that unspoken
A simple requirement can be overlooked
Confirm things that are said
Is it clear?
Communicate back to customer
Clarify priorities
Must, should, wish
Prioritize complete needs list
LISTEN - Let the user/client talk
Follow up for clarification  5 whys?
Take good notes
Be prepared with a list of questions.
Do you have a list of at least 20 good questions for your client?
People

11. What needs does your project have in each of these areas?
Product Attributes
Functional performance
Speed, efficiency, flow rate, temperature range, etc.
Human factors
Ergonomics, noise level, visibility, etc.
Physical requirements
Size, color, mounting method
Reliability
Quality
Durability  Useful life
Manufacturing requirements
Serviceability
Cost (to acquire, own, and maintain)
What needs does your project have in each of these areas?
People

12. Observe the product in use
People often do not
realize opportunities,
realize their problems, or
communicate all needs
Apply anthropological techniques
Document activities
Characterize user types
Characterize value to user
“This is the way we’ve always done it.”
People

13. Empathetic Activities
First-hand experience is a great way to grow understanding
Use the product
Perform the process
Experience the hardship!
Ride-along
How will you interact with and understand your client’s concerns?
People

14. Competitive Analysis Evaluate competitor products (or prior solutions)
Teardown  systems  parts
Benchmark each attribute
Estimate cost
Who is your competition? What are their strengths? What are their weaknesses?
Product

15. Every project has a customer. Who is yours? What do they value?
Value Proposition
Know how your competitor is viewed
Know how your customer makes decisions
What is important?
What is not important?
What unique value can you bring?
Every project has a customer. Who is yours? What do they value?
Product

16. Mock-ups and Calculation models
Evaluate subjective requirements (e.g. ergonomics)
What happens if I change this?
Calculation Models
Governing equations
Align with experiment
Sensitivity to changing parameters
What simple test or math model can you use today to learn more about your project?
Technology

17. Research Emerging technologies (web/patent searches)
Alternative materials
Existing documentation
Vendor catalogs
What don’t you know?
Technology

18. Codes & Standards Understand any Regulations Consult with experts
These are foundational requirements
Technology