engineering design process

engineering design process (EDP)

is used by engineers to solve problems. The process emphasizes open-ended problem solving and encourages learning from failures

step #1: Define

define the problem and identify the criteria and constraints

engineering design process (EDP)

is used by engineers to solve problems. The process emphasizes open-ended problem solving and encourages learning from failures

step #1: Define

define the problem and identify the criteria and constraints

criteria

the requirements that must be met

constraint

the limitations and restrictions

step #2: research

research by exploring solutions to similar problems

step #3: Imagine

Develop possible solutions. If working in a group this is the time to use brainstorming to come up with ideas

brainstorm

to try to solve a problem or come up with new ideas by having a discussion with all members of a group

step #4: plan

select a promising solution and crate a detailed plan of how to put that solution in place

plan

a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something

step #5: create

build a prototype based on the specifications in the plan

prototype

a preliminary model of something

specifications

a detailed description of the design and materials used to make something

step #6: evaluate

test the prototype and analyze its performance. Create detailed notes on both the positive and negative results

analyze

to study or examine something in detail in order to discover or understand more about it

step #7: improve

modify and redesign the prototype to better meet the needs of the problem (this step leads to re-entering the EDP at step 4(plan))

the engineering design process is…

iterative (involving the repetition of a sequence of operations

importance of communication

identify stakeholders and their roles/expectations, use nontechnical terms, effective communication includes restatement, assess understanding of communication, listen to stakeholders input, consequences of not communicating effectively

stakeholder

a person with an interest or concern in a project or product