Engineering Design - Comprehensive Study Notes

This set of flashcards covers key concepts in engineering design from the provided study notes for APS111 / ESP I.

Engineering Design

A structured, iterative, evidence-driven process to convert a client’s needs into an engineering solution.

Iterative

A process that allows revisiting any stage based on new information.

Evidence-based

Design decisions must be based on research, not assumptions.

Documented

All decisions must be recorded, justified, and communicated.

Human-centered

Design solutions must work for real users in real environments.

Systematic

Uses analytical tools such as constraints, objectives, and metrics.

Client Statement

The initial vague request from a client often filled with assumptions.

Biases

Assumptions about users or outcomes based on the client's perspective.

Assumptions

Implicit beliefs presented as self-evident truths.

Implied Solutions

When a client suggests how to solve a problem rather than what problem needs solving.

Missing Information

Crucial information needed to define the problem well.

Problem Statement

A rewritten version of the problem that describes user need, context, and constraints.

Constraints

Non-negotiable requirements that must be satisfied for a design to be acceptable.

Objective

Desirable properties that can be optimized or improved.

Function

What the design must do, expressed in engineering terms.

Metric

The measurement used to evaluate how well an objective is achieved.

Goal

A target value for a metric.

Scope

Defines the boundaries of the project including what is included and what is not.

Design Space

All possible designs satisfying constraints and functions.

Information Gathering

The process of collecting credible sources of information for design.

Benchmarking

Studying existing products or systems to understand strengths and weaknesses.

Brainstorming

A method for idea generation focused on quantity over quality.

SCAMPER

A creativity method involving Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse.

Design by Analogy

Using inspiration from nature or unrelated products to generate ideas.

Morphological Chart

A matrix listing functions and multiple means for each, to create alternatives.

Pairwise Comparison

A method used to prioritize objectives by comparing them against one another.

Pugh Method

A method for comparing alternative designs using a datum.

Multi-voting

A method for rapidly eliminating weak ideas after brainstorming.

User-Centered Design

Design that ensures usability, accessibility, safety, and comfort for users.

Stakeholders

Anyone affected by the design, including primary, secondary, and tertiary types.

Environmental Impact

Considerations of waste production, recyclability, carbon footprint, and lifecycle impact.

Economic Impact

Factors like cost of production, cost savings, and marketability.

Social Impact

Considerations of accessibility, safety, and community impact.

Team Stages

The typical progression of teams through Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing.

Team Charter

A document defining roles, responsibilities, and expectations to maintain accountability.

Conflict Resolution

The structured process of addressing and managing team conflicts.

AID Feedback Model

A structured approach for providing feedback: Action, Impact, Desired Change.

Multimodality

Using multiple communication modes effectively in engineering communication.

Executive Summary

A brief overview of a document intended for readers who may only read the summary.

Research Integrity

The ethical practice of citing sources and avoiding plagiarism.

Triangulation

Using multiple types of evidence to support the same claim.

Engineering Notebook

A record containing notes, sketches, research, and decisions related to engineering work.

Permanent Documentation

Records in an engineering notebook must be organized, permanent, and legally defensible.

Glossary of Terms

A quick reference list of key engineering terms with definitions.

Functional Basis

The standard format for defining functions: verb + noun.

Design Space Rule

A design that violates any constraint is outside the design space.

Constraints Characteristics

Constraints are non-negotiable, binary, often quantitative, and derived from regulations.

Objective Characteristics

Objectives are qualitative, continuous, and can be ranked or weighted.

Function Characteristics

Functions describe actions of the system and are not solutions or materials.

Metric Examples

Examples of metrics include decibels for noise and cycles for durability.

Goal Examples

Examples of goals include specific values for noise levels or force requirements.