Design Process
All engineers use a systematic process for solving problems. There are many variations on what that process it, but they have many things in common.
12 steps of the Engineering Design Process
1. Define the Problem
2. Brainstorm
3. Research and Generating Ideas
4. Identifying Criteria and Specifying Constraints
5. Exploring Possibilities
6. Selecting an Approach
7. Developing a Design Proposal
8. Making a Model or Prototype
9. Testing and Evaluating
10. Refining
11. Creating or Making
12. Communicating Process and Results
One of the fundamental concepts of engineering is the use of a thorough and systematic process for identifying and developing solutions to real-world challenges. There are many examples of engineering design processes that you can find on-line and many engineering companies will develop their own or modify an existing process to better suit the work they do. At Highlands Ranch High School students will be taught fundamentals of engineering design that are common to most engineering design processes. For class assignments students will be expected to used the Engineering Design Process described below. It is similar to the many design processes I have taught at other school systems and which I have modified specifically for the engineering program here at Highlands Ranch High School.
Step 1: Define a Problem - Receive a problem to solve from the client. Gather information. Be inspired through media exposure of current problem and take action.
Step 2: Brainstorm - Present ideas in an open forum. Generate and record ideas. Keep the mind alert through rapidly paced sessions. Develop preliminary ideas.
Step 3: Research and Generate Ideas - Conduct interviews with those affected by the problem. Research solutions that may already exist; identify shortcomings and reasons why they aren't appropriate to a given situation. Compile ideas and report findings to the team.
Step 4: Identify Criteria and Specify Constraints - Identify what the solution should do and the degree to which the solution will be pursued. Identify constraints. Draft the Design Brief.
Step 5: Explore Possibilities - Consider further development of brainstorming ideas with constraints and trade-offs. Explore alternative ideas based on further knowledge and technologies.
Step 6: Select an Approach - Review brainstormed information and answer any lingering questions. Narrow ideas down through a voting process, or by use of a decision matrix. Decide on final idea, usually through group consensus.
Step 7: Develop a Design Proposal - Explore the idea in greater detail with annotated sketches. Make critical decisions such as material types and manufacturing methods. Generate through computer models detailed sketches to further refine the idea. Produce working drawings so the idea can be built.
Step 8: Make a Model or Prototype - Make models to help communicate the idea, and study aspects such as shape, form, fit, or texture. Construct a prototype from the working drawings, so the solution can be tested.
Step 9: Test and Evaluate the Design - Design experiments and test the prototype in controlled and working environments. Gather performance data; analyze and check results against established criteria. Conduct a formal critique to flesh out areas of concerns, identify shortcomings, and establish any need for redesign work.
Step 10: Refine the Design - Make design changes; modify or rebuild the prototype. Make refinements until accuracy and repeatability of the prototype's performance results are consistent. Update documentation to reflect changes. Receive user's critique to provide outside perspective to help determine if established criteria have been met.
Step 11: Create or make Solution - Determine custom/mass production. Consider packaging. Distribute.
Step 12: Communicate Processes and Results - Communicate the designer's final solution through media such as PowerPoint, poster, session, technical report. Market the Product.