1. A Weighty Matter
Designing a Way to Minimize the Loss of Bone Density Experienced
by Individuals Living in Low Gravity Environments

2. What is the Engineering Design Process?
“The thoughtful development of objects that perform desired functions within given limits” (Clive Dym & Patrick Little Engineering Design)
A step-by-step approach to creating products (“artifacts”) that fit specific needs
There are eight steps in the design process

3. Steps of the Engineering Design Process
Identify the need or Problem
Step 2
Research the Need or Problem
Step 3
Develop Possible Solution (s)
Step 4
Select the Best Possible Solution(s)
Step 5
Construct a Prototype
Step 6
Test and Evaluate the Solution(s)
Step 7
Communicate the Solution(s)
Step 8
Redesign
Steps of the
Engineering Design
Process

4. Step 1: Identify the Need or Problem
Ask questions to determine what the client
needs or wants
What are the objectives of the design project? (Objectives are to be – product has to be…)
What functions are important?
(Functions are to do – product has to do…)
What constraints may limit or restrict the design?
(Constraints are parameters you have to work within)

5. Step 1: Identify the Need or Problem
Problem- The long term effects of living where the surface gravity is much lower than the Earth’s will weakened the skeletal system due to a loss of bone density
Caused by a reduction in gravitational forces exerted on the body
Could possibly keep an individual from returning safely to Earth
Need- Design a way to minimize the loss of bone density experienced by individuals living in low gravity environments

6. Step 2 : Research the Need or Problem
Explore what’s already known about the problem
What is osteoporosis?
What happens to bone density in space?
What’s currently used as a solution for this, or similar, problems?
Use the internet or library to help you come up with options for solving your problem
Information on bone loss in space
Information on increasing bone density

7. Step 3: Develop Possible Solutions
Brainstorm ideas with your partner(s)
Based upon your research and brainstorming, come up with 2 different solutions to your design problem
Use drawings to illustrate each of your possible solutions/designs
Refine the possible solutions

8. Step 4: Select the Best Possible Solution
Reevaluate your possible solutions
Which solution most closely meets the established objectives?
Do the functions of your design solution meet the established needs?
Will your design meet the constraints?
Identify the design solution that best fits your criteria

9. Step 5: Construct a Prototype
Using the materials provided, construct a model of your selected design solution
Needs to be able to model the basic functions established for the design
Make sure you stay within the limits set forth by the constraints

10. Step 6: Test and Evaluate the Solution
After testing, ask yourself the following to evaluate your solution:
Is this a workable solution?
Does the prototype meet the established objectives?
Does it function as planned?
Did it stay within the original design constraints?

11. Step 7: Communicate the Solution
Prepare a presentation that will describe the benefits of utilizing your design
How does your prototype work?
What was it designed to do?
Explain what makes your
design the best solution

12. Step 8: Redesign
Using information obtained from testing and feedback from your presentation, refine your design solution
This is where you put it all together to improve your design