Transcript What is Design? - University of Southern Maine

What is Design?
Engineering design is the communication of
a set of rational decisions obtained with creative
problem solving for accomplishing certain stated
objectives within prescribed constraints.
(E. Lumsdaine et al. ASEE 1999, Session 2225, ref EEL 013)
Engineering design is the systematic, intelligent
generation and evaluation of specifications for
artifacts whose form and function achieve stated
objectives and satisfy specified constraints.
(Dym & Little, Engineering Design: A Project-Based Introduction p. 8)
Engineering design is the organized, thoughtful
development and testing of characteristics of new
objects that have a particular configuration or
perform some desired function(s) that meets our
aims without violating any specified limitations.
(Dym & Little, ibid p. 9)
The purpose of design is to derive from a set of
specifications a description of an artifact
sufficient for its realization. Feasible designs not
only satisfy the specifications, but take into
account other constraints in the design problem
arising from the medium in which the design is to
be executed (e.g. the strength and properties of
materials), the physical environment in which the
design is to be operated (e.g. kinematic and
static laws of equilibrium) and from such factors
as the cost and the capabilities of the
manufacturing technology available.
(Dym & Little, ibid p. 18)
What design problems have in common
is that they set a goal, some constraints
within which the goal must be achieved,
and some criteria by which a successful
solution might be recognized.
(Cross, p. 10)
Engineering design is the process of devising a system,
component, or process to meet desired needs. It is a
decision-making process (often iterative), in which the
basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering sciences
are applied to convert resources optimally to meet a stated
objective. Among the fundamental elements of the design
process are the establishment of objectives and criteria,
synthesis, analysis, construction, testing, and evaluation.
The engineering design component of a curriculum must
include most of the following features: development of student
creativity, use of open-ended problems, development and use
of modern design theory and methodology, formulation of
design problem statements and specifications, consideration
of alternative solutions, feasibility considerations, production
processes, concurrent engineering design, and detailed
system descriptions. Further it is essential to include a variety
of realistic constraints such as economic factors, safety,
reliability, aesthetics, ethics, and social impact.
(ABET I.C.3.d.3.c. 1999 and earlier)
What is the Nature of the Design
Process?
• There is no definitive formulation of the problem.
• Any problem formulation may embody
inconsistencies.
• Formulations of the problem are solutiondependent.
• Proposing solutions is a means of understanding
the problem.
• There is no definitive solution to the problem.
Cross, p. 12