Engineering and designing innovative solutions to problems is at the heart of engineering as a discipline, but communicating it is an entirely different process altogether.

This project has three primary conceptual questions:

• What is a cutting-edge technology that is in the process of being developed or has recently been released?

• What is the past and prospective future of that technology?

• How can you effectively communicate about that topic, including communicating your research process?

For DES 3170 - you need to also propose a design solution to solve a future problem 

Part 1: Researching Future Challenges and the Role of Designers - Google Docs

• Select a future challenge in various industries, such as:

  • Climate change and sustainability.

  • Rapid urbanization and overpopulation.

  • Advancements in artificial intelligence and automation.

  • Global inequality and access to resources.

• Research the evolving role of designers in addressing these challenges.

  • Compare the role of designers today with future expectations.

  • Consider how global, ethical, and technological shifts might influence design priorities.

Part 2: Creating the Design Brief - Google Docs

• Task 1: Write a design brief that describes a possible future problem to be solved. This is an overarching question that will need to be addressed in the future.

  • Examples:

    • "How might designers create sustainable urban living solutions for a city of 20 million people?"

    • "How can wearable technology be designed to support mental health in a hyper-digital future?"

    • "What solutions could address the ethical use of AI in public decision-making systems?"

•  Structure the design brief:

  • Define the problem.

  • Explain its societal, environmental, or technological context.

  • Identify constraints and goals for the solution.

Part 3 : Developing the Design Solution - Google Docs

• Research and brainstorm potential solutions.

  • Use future-focused design thinking, including trends in:

    • Smart materials.

    • Renewable energy.

    • AI-driven design tools.

• Create your potential solution in one of the following formats:

  • Model: Physical prototype (e.g., using 3D printing or recycled materials).

  • Drawings/Renderings: Hand-drawn sketches or CAD designs.

  • Animation: Short animated video showcasing the solution.

• Support your design with research and analysis:

  • Reference how emerging technologies or techniques were integrated.

  • Provide evidence for the feasibility and relevance of your solution.

Part 4: Presentation

• Prepare a presentation of your design solution:

  • Include visuals (e.g., renderings, models, animations).

  • Explain the problem, solution, and process using appropriate terminology.