Engineering Design Process Vocabulary

Brainstorm

Group problem solving process where each person shares ideas in open forum.

Constraint

a limitation or restriction that must be followed by designers. (Ex. cost, time )

Criteria

Requirements that the design must meet.

Design Process

Series of steps used to plan, create test & improve solutions to a problem.

Innovating

process of modifying and improving an existing product to make it better.

Inventing

process of turning ideas and imagination into actual products

Model

Smaller version of an idea or product used for testing ideas or processes.

Modify

A change in design, usually minor the alter the performance of a product.

Prototype

1st version or working model of a product or concept used for testing, analysis & improvement.

Troubleshoot

Look for malfunction or problem in a technological system. (to find out why something doesn't work so it can be fixed.)

Engineering

the application of math & science to solve problems & help society.

1. Ask

What is the problem?

What have others done?

What are the constraints?

2. Imagine

What are some solutions?

Brainstorm ideas

Choose the best one.

3. Plan

Draw a diagram

Make lists of materials you will need.

4. Create

Follow your plan and create it.

Test it out!

5. Improve

Talk about what works, what doesn't and what could work better.

Modify your design to make it better.

Test it out?

Communication

Share your results. Get feedback. Reflect on the outcome.