Chapter 1 – The Engineering Design Process

Engineering design is the process of devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs. It is a decision-making process (often iterative), in which the basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering sciences are applied to convert resources optimally to meet a stated objective. Among the fundamental elements of the design process are the establishment of objectives and criteria, synthesis, analysis, construction, testing, and evaluation. [ABET]

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ABET Definition of Engineering Design

What is a design process?

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Engineering Design Processes

The steps required to take an idea from concept to realization of the final system

Problem-solving methodologies that aim to developa system that best meets the customer’s needswithin given constraints

1. Define the problem to be solved.2. Acquire and assemble pertinent data.3. Identify solution constraints and criteria.4. Develop alternative solutions.5. Select a solution based on

analysis of alternatives.6. Communicate the results.

The Design Process

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Prescriptive Set down an exact process, or systematic recipe, for realizing a system Often algorithmic in nature and expressed on flow charts with decision logic

Descriptive Less formal in describing typical activities involved in realizing designs with less emphasis on exact sequencing

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General types of design processes

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A Prescriptive Process

Identify Problem& Needs

DetermineRequirements

Dorequirementssatisfy needs?

Yes

No

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A Descriptive ProcessProblem

Identification

Research

RequirementsSpecification

ConceptGeneration

Prototypeand

Construct

SystemIntegration

SystemTest

Deliveryand

Acceptance

Maintenanceand

Upgrade

Design

Project Time Schedule

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Flow Diagram for Engineering Design

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Engineering design is an iterative process.

Design problems are open-ended with many potential solutions.

Design processes represent best practices for realizing a system.

Design processes may be prescriptive or descriptive.

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Summary