Transcript TECH 660-

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).
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
Components of the Engineering
Design Process
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
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.
Definitions of Design Process
1. 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.
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.
Definitions of Design Process
3. Gather information.
Internet or other research.
Don’t reinvent the wheel.
Find potential solutions
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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).