• A series of steps that
engineers use to guide
them as they solve
problems.
• It is cyclical and can
begin at any step, or
move back and forth
between steps. (1)
(1) www.ecybermission.com
Engineer
• A person trained and skilled in the
design, construction, and use of a
system or machine.
• Needs to be well versed in language arts,
as well as math and science
Engineering Fields
Mechanical Aerospace
Electrical Nuclear
Chemical Civil
Biomedical Computer
Innovation vs. Invention
Invention Innovation
A device or process originated A new improvement to an
after study and experiment existing device or process
Invention
Innovations
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Invention
Innovations
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Define
Improve problem
& goal
Create and test Research
prototype
Imagine
Choose a Possible
solution solutions
Click on a “slice” of the Engineering Design Process cycle to learn more about its parts
Define problem and goal
• Identify and describe
the issue and the
ultimate objective
• Consider:
– What do you want to accomplish?
– What are the requirements?
– Are there any limitations?
– Who is the customer?
Research
• Gather information and investigate existing
technologies related to the problem
• Talk to individuals who share this problem and could
benefit from possible solutions
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Imagine possible solutions
• Brainstorm ideas.
• Be creative and build upon the ideas of others.
• Explore and compare many possible designs within
your group.
• Be open-minded!
Image taken from:
http://www.vinylrecords.ch/J/JO/John/John_Lennon/imagine-capitol/john-lennon-imagine.html
Choose a solution
• What materials and tools are needed?
• Consider environmental, cultural, time, and financial
issues and constraints.
• Select the most feasible idea and assign team tasks.
Best
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$$$
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Create & test prototype
• Build a protoype
– Protoype - an operating version of a solution. It is often made
with different materials (cheaper and easier to work with) than
the final version. They allow you to test your solution and supply
feedback. (2)
• Push yourself and the group for creativity, imagination,
and excellence in design.
(2)
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/engineering-design-process/engineering-design-prototypes.shtml
Improve
• Share results and continue
to seek how your team
could make the solution
better.
• Iterate your design to Image taken from:
make the product the best
http://www.rubymarketer.com/improve-search-engine-ranking/
it can be.
– Iterate - to repeat an already
completed task to
incorporate new information (3)
Ulrich K., Eppinger S. 2000. Product Design and Development. 2 nd Edition. Irwin
(3)
McGraw-Hill, Boston.
