Foundations of the Engineering Design Process

Apuntes

• Subtopic: The Engineering Design Process Engineering design shares similarities with scientific practices, but its purpose differs from scientific inquiry. The engineering design process involves defining and solving problems or needs. Engineers must define the design problem and identify the features and qualities that a successful solution must have. The process is illustrated in the accompanying diagram. Engineers do not always follow the design process steps in order. It is common for engineers to design a tool, object, or process, test the design, and then find a problem with it. They may then return to an earlier step to make a design change. It is normal for design changes to be made after testing. • Subtopic: An Outline of the Engineering Design Process Testing and data analysis are integral parts of the engineering design process because developing the best solution to a problem is based on analyzing data that indicates how well each design solution works. 1. Identify the problem/need. 2. Research previous similar solutions. 3. Define the problem in terms of criteria and constraints. Is the problem well-defined? - NO - YES 4. Brainstorm new solutions or modify an existin...