Engineering Design Process
Presentation 4.2.1Explanation
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Foundations of Technology
The Unit Big Idea
The Engineering Design Process is a systematic, iterative problem solving method which produces solutions to meet human wants
and desires.
© 2011 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association,STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
The Lesson Big Idea
The Engineering Design Process is a systematic, iterative problem solving method which produces solutions to meet human wants
and desires.
© 2011 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association,STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
Scientific Method vs.Engineering Design Process
Place the descriptors in the appropriate box to define the Scientific Method and the Engineering Design Process
Human needs and wants HypothesisExact starting point Closed endedContinuous improvement Identify constraintsDesign Defined linear procedure
Scientific Method Engineering Design Process
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Foundations of Technology
Engineering Design Process
Answers to the previous task. How did you do?
Scientific Method descriptors:
Engineering Design Process descriptors:•Human needs and wants•Continuous improvement•Design•Identify Constraints
•Exact starting point•Hypothesis•Closed ended•Defined Linear Procedure
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Foundations of Technology
Engineering Design Process
There are a variety of formal and informal problem-solving strategies and models beyond the Scientific Method and the Engineering Design Process
The process of engineering design takes into account a number of factors.
© 2011 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association,STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
What is Science?
Science is the study of the history of the natural world and how the natural world works, based on observable physical evidence.
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Foundations of Technology
Scientific Method
Processes of discovery and demonstration Observation of phenomena Formulation of a hypothesis Experimentation Conclusion
Steps of the scientific method Name the problem or question Form a hypothesis and make a prediction Test hypothesis Interpret your results/hypothesis Report your results
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Foundations of Technology
What is Engineering Design?
Systematic application of mathematical, scientific and technical principles Tangible end products that meet our needs
and desires. The process of engineering
design takes into account a number of factors.
© 2011 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association,STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
Engineering Design Process
Is a systematic, iterative, problem-solving strategy, with criteria and constraints, used to develop many possible solutions to a problem to satisfy human needs and wants.
© 2011 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association,STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
Engineering DesignProcess Steps
1. Define a Problem
2. Brainstorm Possible Solutions
3. Generate ideas
4. Research Ideas & Explore Possibilities
5. Specify Criteria & Identify Constraints
6. Consider Alternative Solutions7. Select an Approach
8. Develop Written Design Proposal
9. Make Model/Prototype
12. Communicate Results
10. Test & Evaluate
11. Refine/Create
© 2011 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association,STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
1.Define the Problem
Designer clearly outlines what human need or want exists to solve the problem.
Often design problems are not clearly defined. Designers may have to investigate to define the problem.
For example, a company might call you in and ask you to solve the problem of the company losing money Determine why the company is losing
money What problem needs fixing
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Foundations of Technology
2. Brainstorm
Designers generate ideas without consideration of limitations to the design.
Brainstorming is a group or individual problem-solving design process in which each person in the group presents his or her ideas in an open forum.
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Foundations of Technology
3. Generate Ideas
This is a step where designers can let their imaginations run free with suggestions from the brainstorming session.
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Foundations of Technology
4. Research Ideas &Explore Possibilities
Research to determine if a solution to the problem already exists Can another solution/product be adapted to
solve the problem Is there mathematical or scientific
information related to the problem that needs to be collected through research?
Designers begin to explore the possibilities generated during the brainstorming session and the research gathered.
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Foundations of Technology
5. Identify Criteria &Specify Constraints
Identifying criteria and specifying constraints will provide the basis for what the design should be and what its limits are. Criteria identify the desired elements and
features Constraints involve the limitations The possibilities are measured
up against the defined criteria and constraints.
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Foundations of Technology
6. Consider Alternative Solutions
Other solutions could work just as well as the one selected by the designer.
Other solutions might be simpler or less expensive and therefore more desirable.
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Foundations of Technology
7. Select an Approach
Based on the analysis, the designer chooses the solution that best meets the criteria and constraints.
The selection of an approach is closely documented.
In the event that the solution does not work, the designer may need to repeat steps
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Foundations of Technology
8. Develop a Written Design Proposal
A design proposal is a written plan that specifies what the design will look like and what resources are needed to develop it.
It can be communicated through sketches, drawings, models and written instructions.
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Foundations of Technology
9. Make a ModelOr Prototype
Models allow designers to make a smaller version to save time and money
Physical, mathematical, graphic models are used A prototype performs exactly as the final
solution and is used for testing. A mock up physically looks like the
final solution, but does not perform as the final solution.
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Foundations of Technology
10 Test & Evaluate the DesignUsing Specifications
Models and/or prototypes are tested Does design meets established criteria What areas need refinement
Data is collected from testing to assist in the next step.
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Foundations of Technology
11. Refine/Create theDesign
Based on the evaluation and testing results, designers refine the design of the product.
Refinement and optimization include Function (making it work better) Economic (giving it market appeal) Ethical (making it safer)
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Foundations of Technology
Refine/Create theDesign
The product is then mass produced to be sold to the target market.
Designers and Engineers work together to design a cost effective and time efficient process for producing the product.
© 2011 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association,STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology
12. Communicate theResults
Designers need to communicate their results to perpetuate innovation and so others with similar problems can learn from their design process.
Communication of the design process can include design portfolios, journals, drawings, sketches or schematics.
© 2011 International Technology and Engineering Educators Association,STEMCenter for Teaching and Learning™
Foundations of Technology