What is the Engineering Design Process?The engineering design process is a series of steps that engineers follow to come up with a solution to a problem. Show
Many times the solution to a problem involves designing a product (like a machine or computer code) that meets certain criteria and/or accomplishes a certain task. This process is different from the Steps of the Scientific Method, which you may be more familiar with. If your project involves making observations and doing experiments, you should probably follow the Scientific Method. If your project involves designing, building, and testing something, you should probably follow the Engineering Design Process. If you still are not sure which process to follow, you should read Comparing the Engineering Design Process and the Scientific Method. The interactive diagram below may help you understand the engineering design process, and how it is applied to an experiment or project. You can click on parts of the diagram to learn more. Use the "return to top" button Engineers do not always follow the engineering design process steps in order, one after another. It is very common to design something, test it, find a problem, and then go back to an earlier step to make a modification or change to your design. This way of working is called iteration, and it is likely that your process will do the same! Steps of the Engineering Design Process1. Define the ProblemThe engineering design process starts when you ask the following questions about problems that you observe:
[Who] need(s) [what] because [why]. 2. Do Background Research
Learn from the experiences of others — this can help you find out about existing solutions to similar problems, and avoid mistakes that were made in the past. So, for an engineering design project, do background research in two major areas:
3. Specify RequirementsDesign requirements state the important characteristics that your solution must meet to succeed. One of the best ways to identify the design requirements for your solution is to analyze the concrete example of a similar, existing product, noting each of its key features. 4. Brainstorm SolutionsThere are always many good possibilities for solving design problems. If you focus on just one before looking at the alternatives, it is almost certain that you are overlooking a better solution. Good designers try to generate as many possible solutions as they can. 5. Choose the Best SolutionLook at whether each possible solution meets your design requirements. Some solutions probably meet more requirements than others. Reject solutions that do not meet the requirements. 6. Develop the SolutionDevelopment involves the refinement and improvement of a solution, and it continues throughout the design process, often even after a product ships to customers. 7. Build a PrototypeA prototype is an operating version of a solution. Often it is made with different materials than the final version, and generally it is not as polished. Prototypes are a key step in the development of a final solution, allowing the designer to test how the solution will work. For detailed help with this step, use these resources:
8. Test and RedesignThe design process involves multiple iterations and redesigns of your final solution. You will likely test your solution, find new problems, make changes, and test new solutions before settling on a final design. 9. Communicate ResultsTo complete your project, communicate your results to others in a final report and/or a display board. Professional engineers always do the same, thoroughly documenting their solutions so that they can be manufactured and supported. Explore Our Science VideosVolleyball Machine: 2019 Fluor Engineering Challenge Follow the Flow: 2017 Fluor Engineering Challenge Free science fair projects. 16.When documenting the engineering design process, design portfolios, design journals,sketches and schematics are all used to? Get answer to your question and much more 17.A common computer software used to analyze data is a ______________. Get answer to your question and much more 18.Which of the following personal characteristics does not influence the engineering designprocess?a. creativityb. sensitivityc.ability to visualized. imaginationb. sensitivity 19.A constraint related to cost must be considered when the design is seeking the followingimpact? Get answer to your question and much more 20.Which of the constraints listed below is not considered a physical constraint? Get answer to your question and much more What path does the engineering design process follow?The engineering design process is a series of steps that engineers follow to find a solution to a problem. The steps include problem solving processes such as, for example, determining your objectives and constraints, prototyping, testing and evaluation.
What can the engineering design process be used for?The engineering design process, by definition, is a series of steps that engineers use to find a solution to a problem. These steps include: defining the problem, brainstorming solutions, designing and building a prototype of the solution, testing the solution, and improving it.
Why is it important to use the terminology when talking about modeling in engineering?Knowing just a few of the most commonly used terms will significantly ease your communication and help you improve your skills. Understanding the basic terms will also help you avoid miscommunication with project managers. This, in turn, makes good use of the time factor in the production process.
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