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Consensus

A general agreement reached by a group after discussion, where all members can accept or support the decision, even if it is not everyone's first choice.

Optimize

To improve a system, design, or process so it performs as effectively or efficiently as possible given a set of constraints or goals.

Design Process

A structured sequence of steps used to solve a problem and develop a solution, typically including defining the problem, researching, brainstorming, prototyping, testing, and refining.

Engineering Mindset

An approach to problem-solving that values evidence, iteration, practical constraints, and systematic analysis to design functional and reliable solutions.

Sustainable

Describes a design or practice that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, considering environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Collaboration

Working together with others by sharing ideas, responsibilities, and skills toward a common goal, leveraging each person's strengths.

Ethical Dilemma

A situation in which a person must choose between two or more options that each involve significant moral considerations, where no clearly right or wrong answer exists.

Systems Thinking

An approach to analysis that focuses on understanding how a system's components interrelate and work over time within the context of larger systems.

System

A set of interconnected components or parts that work together to perform a function or achieve a goal, where the behavior of the whole differs from the sum of its parts.

Patent

A legal right granted to an inventor that gives them exclusive authority to make, use, or sell their invention for a set period, protecting their idea from being copied.

Conceptual Model

An abstract representation of a system or idea that describes how it works using concepts and relationships, without getting into physical or mathematical detail.

Graphical Model

A visual representation of a system, process, or data using diagrams, charts, graphs, or illustrations to communicate structure and relationships clearly.

Spatial

Relating to the physical arrangement, layout, or positioning of objects in space, relevant in design for understanding how components fit together or how something occupies an area.

Logistics

The planning and coordination of the details involved in a project or operation, including resources, timing, transport, and personnel, to ensure smooth execution.

Simulate

To imitate the behavior of a real-world system or process using a model, in order to test, predict, or understand outcomes without building the actual thing.

Model

A simplified representation of a real system, concept, or process used to understand, predict, or communicate how something works.

Decision Matrix

A tool used to evaluate and compare multiple options against a set of weighted criteria, helping to make an objective, structured decision among alternatives.

Iterative

Describes a process that involves repeating a cycle of steps — designing, testing, evaluating, and improving — with each repetition refining the solution based on feedback.

Data Validation

The process of checking that data is accurate, complete, and formatted correctly before it is used, ensuring it meets defined rules or standards.

Conditional Formatting

A feature that automatically changes the visual appearance of data based on rules or conditions, making patterns and outliers easier to spot.

Algorithmic Thinking

The ability to define a clear, step-by-step set of instructions or rules to solve a problem or complete a task, the foundation of programming and logical problem-solving.

Trade-Offs

The balancing act between competing priorities or values in a design decision, where gaining one benefit often requires accepting a disadvantage elsewhere.

Ethical Issue

A situation or question that involves a conflict between moral values such as fairness, honesty, or harm, that requires careful consideration of right and wrong.

Constructive Criticism

Feedback that is specific, respectful, and focused on improvement, identifying weaknesses in an idea or work while offering suggestions for how to make it better.

Problem Statement

A clear, concise description of an issue or challenge that needs to be solved, defining the scope and context of the problem without proposing a solution.

Variable

A factor or element in an experiment, model, or system that can change or be changed, and whose variation may affect outcomes.

Hypothesis

A testable, educated prediction or explanation for an observed phenomenon, proposed as a starting point for investigation and designed to be proven or disproven through evidence.

Independent Variable

The variable that is deliberately changed or manipulated by the researcher in an experiment to observe its effect on other variables.

Dependent Variable

The variable that is measured or observed in an experiment, which changes as a result of the independent variable.

Controls

Factors in an experiment that are kept constant to ensure that any changes in the dependent variable are caused only by the independent variable.

Positive Control

A control group or condition that is expected to produce a known, successful result, used to confirm that the experiment is working correctly.

Negative Control

A control group or condition that is expected to produce no effect, used to confirm that results are not caused by outside factors or errors.

Qualitative Data

Descriptive, non-numerical information that captures qualities, characteristics, or observations, such as color, texture, or behavior.

Quantitative Data

Numerical information that can be measured and expressed with numbers, such as height, temperature, or speed.

Reliable

Describes a result, method, or product that consistently produces the same outcome under the same conditions, indicating dependability and repeatability.

Durable

Describes a material or product that is strong enough to withstand wear, pressure, or damage over time without breaking down.

Infill Density

In 3D printing, the percentage of solid material used to fill the inside of a printed object, affecting its strength, weight, and material usage.

Validate

To confirm through testing or evidence that a product, design, or result meets the required criteria and actually works as intended.

Design Brief

A short document that outlines the goals, requirements, and context of a design project, guiding the designer on what the solution needs to achieve.

Criteria

The specific standards or requirements that a successful design or solution must meet, used to evaluate whether it achieves its goals.

Constraints

The limitations or restrictions placed on a design, such as budget, time, materials, or size, within which the solution must be developed.

Measurables

The specific, quantifiable indicators used to determine whether a design or project has met its goals and criteria.

Stakeholders

Any individuals or groups who have an interest in or are affected by the outcome of a project, including clients, users, and community members.

Optimize

To improve a system, design, or process so it performs as effectively or efficiently as possible given a set of constraints or goals.

Authoritative

Describes a source, person, or reference that is trusted, reliable, and recognized as having expert knowledge on a subject.

Decomposing

Breaking a complex problem or task down into smaller, more manageable parts to make it easier to understand, plan, and solve.

Project Manager

The person responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing a project to ensure it is completed on time, within budget, and to the required standard.

Critical Path

The longest sequence of dependent tasks in a project that determines the minimum time needed to complete it, where any delay affects the overall deadline.

Gantt Chart

A visual project planning tool that displays tasks as horizontal bars along a timeline, showing start and end dates, duration, and task dependencies.

Project Charter

A formal document that officially authorizes a project and outlines its objectives, scope, stakeholders, and the roles and responsibilities of the team.

Project Scope

A clear definition of the boundaries of a project, specifying what work will and will not be included, to prevent tasks from expanding beyond what was agreed.

Team Norms

The agreed-upon rules and expectations that guide how a team communicates, makes decisions, and works together throughout a project.