Technological Design VS Engineering Design By Brian Nettleton 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 views of the National Science Foundation (NSF). June, 2006 Much of the following information was taken from Valley City University Technology Education Inventions and Innovations course.

Technological design and Engineering design are very similar and sometimes the terms are often confused with one another.

So what is the difference?

Defining Characteristics of Technological Design Technological design is purposeful.

A designer tries to solve a problem, meet a need, or develop a new product.

Defining Characteristics of Technological Design Technological design is based on certain requirements Technological designs must meet certain criteria and constraints such as size, weight, cost, and function.

Defining Characteristics of Technological Design Technological design is systematic.

Designers follow a systematic approach to make sure that all possible solutions are looked at and to make sure nothing is overlooked.

Defining Characteristics of Technological Design Technological design is iterative.

In order to make sure the best possible solution has been found and that the design solution fits the criteria and constraints of a design problem, the problem must be redesigned and rebuilt until all of the problems have been solved.

Defining Characteristics of Technological Design Technological design is creative.

Creativity comes from within. Experiences, knowledge, and curiosity all help contribute to a persons creativity.

Defining Characteristics of Technological Design In Technological design, there are many possible solutions .

There is rarely only one correct solution to a design problem. Something that works well for one application might not work as well in another.

Engineering design is a process used to solve problems • 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.

Engineering designers take into consideration aesthetics and the social and economic impact of a design as well as its function.

Engineering design uses math and science to help solve problems.

Technological design is more trial and error.

Engineering design and Technological design have the following similarities.

Iterative Follow criteria and constraints Systematic Creative Test solutions Communicate results

Standards and Benchmarks

Standard 8: Students will develop an understanding of the attributes of design.

E. Design is a creative planning process that leads to useful products and systems.

F. There is no perfect design.

G. Requirements for a design are made up of criteria and constraints.

Standard 9: Students will develop an understanding of engineering design.

F.

Design involves a set of steps, which can be performed in different sequences and repeated as needed.

G. Brainstorming is a group problem-solving design process in which each H.

person in the group presents his or her ideas in an open forum.

Modeling, testing, evaluating, and modifying are used to transform ideas into practical solutions.