Design for Engineering

1. Design for Engineering Unit 2- Design and Problem Solving This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0402616. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

2. The Engineering Design Process • The process for designing solutions to technological or engineering problems is referred to as “Engineering Design.” Design is the planned process of change. It means to end up with an intentional result by minimizing trade-offs and controlling risks. Any answer is correct as long as it solves the original problem. One can look at the design process as a loop. It is not a linear process in which one thinks and acts in separate, sequential steps. Rather it is a process involves several stages. It is more like switching back and forth between a thinking/questioning/evaluating mode and an active/doing mode. These modes have been called the active and reflective phases of design. Source: VSCU Reading Assignment

3. Components of the Engineering Design Process • Identify the problem. • Define or “refine” the problem. • Gather information. • Develop alternate solutions. • Select and refine the best solution. • Express the Design Solution. • Build a Model or Prototype of the Solution. • Evaluate, revise, and refine the solution. • Communicate the solution.

4. Definitions of Design Process • Identify the problem. • This is the first stage in the design loop. • Identify need, problem or opportunity. • Requires careful observation and a critical eye. • Find the root of the problem so the ultimate solution works.

5. Definitions of Design Process 2. Define or “refine” the problem • Investigate to find out more information. • This step requires a team effort. • Clarification starts with a design brief. • This provides direction for the work of the designer. • Specifications will provide some expectations and limitations for the project. • Compromises may be necessary.

6. Definitions of Design Process 3.Gather information. • Internet or other research. • Don’t reinvent the wheel. • Find potential solutions

7. Definitions of Design Process 4. Develop alternate solutions. • First idea is rarely the best • Brainstorming and other techniques may be utilized • No possible solutions should be ignored • Ideas generate greater possibilities of success • Work out alternative solutions to the point at which one can see the further choices and problems that the solutions will generate

8. Definitions of Design Process 5. Select and refine the best solutions. • Select the best solution for further development • An evaluation process stemming from the design brief may be utilized as with any decision process • Documentation should occur

9. Definitions of Design Process 6. Express the Design Solution. • Methods- verbal expression, text, mathematics, equation • 3-D programs can add dimensions, details and can be refined easily

10. Definitions of Design Process 7. Build a Model or Prototype of the Solution. • Modeling or construction part of the process • May contain most technological problems • Experimentation with materials and techniques will be done before actual construction • Technical planning happens • Prototypes, 2 or 3D models

11. Definitions of Design Process 8. Evaluate, revise, and refine the solution. • Analyze the solution in terms of effectiveness in solving the original need or problem • Apply specifications to the end product to see if it does all that it is supposed to do • Performance testing

12. Definitions of Design Process 9. Communicate the solution. • Ideas need to be “sold” at this stage • Presentation may include the prototypes, models, or other forms • Designer must know the design and subject matter related to the solution in order to effectively communicate the features • A designer can see how well he or she accomplished the goals and whether more development work is necessary Source: VCSU reading assignment

13. Standards covered Standard 1: Students will develop an understanding of the characteristics and scope of technology. Benchmarks: L. Inventions and innovations are the results of specific, goal-directed research. M. Most development of technologies these days is driven by the profit motive and the market. Standard 8: Students will develop an understanding of the attributes of design. Benchmarks: H. The design process includes defining a problem, brainstorming, researching and generating ideas, identifying criteria and specifying constraints, exploring possibilities, selecting an approach, developing a design proposal, making a model or prototype, testing and evaluating the design using specifications, refining the design, creating or making it, and communicating processes and results. I. Design problems are seldom presented in a clearly defined form. J. The design needs to be continually checked and critiqued, and the ideas of the design must be redefined and improved. K. Requirements of a design, such as criteria, constraints, and efficiency, sometimes compete with each other.

14. Standard 9: Students will develop an understanding of engineering design. Benchmarks: K. A prototype is a working model used to test a design concept by making actual observations and necessary adjustments. L. The process of engineering design takes into account a number of factors.

15. ETP 2006 – Justin Foss This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0402616. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National Science Foundation (NSF).