How organization can improve creativity Robotics and Automation Copyright © Texas Education Agency,...

THE ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS

How organization can improve creativity

Robotics and Automation

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 1

Overview The Engineering Design process has

several steps. The process is typically repeated to

improve the design.The process itself is iterative or cyclical.Think of how many times the iPhone has been

improved. There is no single process that works for

every project.

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Engineering Design Vs. Scientific Method There are important differences between the

Scientific Method and Engineering Design. The distinguishing features of Engineering

Design include:taking into account specifications and constraints; dependence on iteration; and the embrace of multiple possible solutions.

The differences in the two lists reflect the basic differences between science and engineering—scientists investigate and engineers create.


Scientific Inquiry:

Demands evidence Is a blend of logic and imagination Explains and predicts Tries to identify and avoid bias Is not authoritarian Attempts to justify one answer or

solutionCopyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

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Engineering Design

Is purposeful Is based on certain requirements Is systematic Is iterative Is creative Allows many possible solutions


Watch the video

Here is a nice video from TeachersDomain.org:

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http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/phy03.sci.engin.design.desprocess

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The basic steps

Identify the challenge Research and brainstorm Design a solution Test ideas Evaluate Build!


Identify the Challenge

Determine the problem you are trying to solve.

Identify specific requirements. What are the constraints? Are there any size, weight, or budget

limitations? You WILL have a plan. You need to be able to write a few short

statements that explain what you want to do.Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

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Research and Brainstorm Gather information. Identify specific details of the problem and

solution. Identify possible and alternative solutions. What construction methods are

appropriate?Factor in materials cost and availability.

What are the social and environmental effects of your design?Are there health and safety factors?


Design a Solution

Prepare drawings and engineering plans. Drawing can start out simple but will

become more detailed as you settle on a design.

You WILL have some working drawings.Shape and form are important to strength,

stability, and safety.How does it move?Where does it get power?How does it sense the environment?


Test Ideas

Build a model or prototype. Does the design perform the required

functions? Do the drawings assist you for construction? Test and troubleshoot the design. Determine a working schedule. Simple projects may not need a model.


Evaluate

Does the design solve the problem? Figure out what works and what does

not work. Here is where you can go back and

redesign. Evaluate the planning process. Make sure each specification is satisfied. Do you have the necessary tools and

equipment?


Build!

The whole point of engineering is to build something.

Evaluate both before and after construction. Was your design practical?

Was it hard or easy to build? Do not start building before you have a plan

and a drawing!


Engineering Design Characteristics

First, it is purposeful. A designer begins with an explicit

goal that is clearly understood. Design can be pictured as a journey

with a particular destination, rather than a sightseeing trip.


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Second, designs are shaped by specifications and constraints.

Specifications spell out what the design is intended to accomplish.

Constraints are limitations the designer must contend with, such as costssize requirementsthe physical limitations of the

materials used.

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Third, the design process is systematic and iterative.

In addition, Engineering Design is a highly social and collaborative enterprise.

Engineers engaged in design activities often work in teams.

Communication with clients and others who have a stake in the project is crucial.

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Other Considerations

KISSKeep It Simple Stupid

TIMTOWTDIThere Is More Than One Way To Do It


The Process Is Iterative!

The cycle can continue over and over again.Continuous process improvement

You can jump in and out of the process at different points.

Some engineers specialize in one or a few steps.

The Engineering Design process is a way of managing creativity.


What Works Best?

No single engineering design process is used by everyone.Goals are often unknown when a design

project begins.Requirements and assumptions can change

during the project. Every process has a research, a design,

and a building phase.You MUST have objectives and criteria.



There is never just one “correct” solution to a design challenge.

Instead, there are a number of possible solutions.

Choosing among them inevitably involves personal as well as technical considerations.

Design is not a linear, step-by-step process. Each new version of the design is tested

and then modified based on what has been learned up to that point.

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Evaluation

With data in hand, the engineer can evaluate how well the various solutions meet the specifications and constraints of the design.

The trade-offs needed to balance competing or conflicting constraints must be considered.

Engineers call this process optimization.


How organization can improve creativity Robotics and Automation Copyright © Texas Education Agency,...

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