PLTW Design Process Lecture Notes

Vocabulary flashcards based on the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Introduction to Engineering Design (IED) lecture notes regarding the Design Process.

Design (Generic Term)

Anything that was made by a conscious human effort.

Design (Process)

A process that is used to systematically solve problems.

Design Process (ITEA Standards)

A systematic problem-solving strategy, with criteria and constraints, used to develop many possible solutions to solve or satisfy human needs or wants and to narrow down the possible solutions to one final choice.

Design Process used in IED

A six-step process including: 1. Define the Problem, 2. Generate Concepts, 3. Develop a Solution, 4. Construct and Test a Prototype, 5. Evaluate the Solution, and 6. Present the Solution.

Define the Problem

The first step of the IED design process which involves identifying, validating, and justifying a problem, creating design requirements (criteria and constraints), and framing a Design Brief.

Design Brief

A written plan that identifies a problem to be solved, its criteria, and its constraints, used to encourage thinking of all aspects of a problem before attempting a solution.

Generate Concepts

The second step of the IED design process involving research, brainstorming, considering design goals, applying STEM principles, and using a Decision Matrix to select an approach.

Decision Matrix

A tool used to compare design solutions against one another, using specific criteria.

Develop a Solution

The third step of the IED design process which involves creating a detailed design solution, justifying the solution path, and creating Technical Drawings.

Technical Drawings

Drawings that provide technical information necessary to produce a product, such as material, size, shape, and assembly.

Construct and Test a Prototype

The fourth step of the IED design process involving building a testable prototype, planning testing for performance, usability, and durability, and analyzing test data reported in a Test Report.

Evaluate the Solution

The fifth step of the IED design process where the designer evaluates solution effectiveness, reflects on the design to recommend improvements, and optimizes or redesigns the solution if necessary.

Present the Solution

The final step of the IED design process where the project is documented in a Project Portfolio and communicated through a Formal Presentation.

Iterative

A characteristic of the design process where the designer may need to return to previous steps based on validation or testing results, or repeat the process for product improvement and redesign.