Engineering Design

Process

ETP 2005 – Brian Vance

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant
No. 0402616. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this
material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the National
Science Foundation (NSF).
 1. Identify the Problem
 The first thing a good designer does is
identify the need, problem, or opportunity.
This is the first stage in the design loop.
This appears to be a simple task but it
requires careful observation and a critical
eye. Taking the time to find the root
problem is extremely important so that the
ultimate solution works.
 2. Define or “refine” the Problem
 The second stage involves defining the
problem to be solved. This involves an
investigation to find out more information
about the problem. A team effort may be
required. Clarification begins with a
design brief which then guides further
development by describing the limitations
and requirements for the project’s solution
 3. Gather Information
 The third activity involves research and
investigation on the problem and the
potential solutions.
 (Internet or other research – don’t reinvent
the wheel)
4. Develop Alternate Solutions
 This is the divergent thinking step –
brainstorming and other techniques may
be utilized. No possible solutions should
be ignored.
 The more ideas generated give a greater
probability of success.
 The first idea is rarely the best.
 5. Select & Refine the Best
Solution

 The Design Proposal

 Now it is time to select the best solution for
further development. An evaluation
process stemming form the design brief
may be utilized as with any decision
process.
 Documentation should occur.
6. Express the Design Solution
 There are many ways to express a
concept. Two of the most common are
verbal expression or text.
 Another method which is used when
words are inadequate is mathematics or
an expression

continued
6. Express the Design Solution
 Often however, a proposed solution has
shape and is three dimensional, and
someone on the team must understand it
well enough to make a model or a
prototype on the concept
 Almost every invention begins “life’ as a
sketch on a back of a napkin or envelope
 7. Build a Model or Prototype of
the Solution
 This is the modeling or construction part of
the process. This part may contain the
most technological problems.
Experimentation with materials and
techniques will need to be done before
actual construction of the final model can
be done. Technical planning happens at
this stage, which could take the form of a
prototype, two-or three dimensional model,
or other clarification.
 8. Evaluate, Revise, and Refine
the Solution
 At this step, analyze the solution in terms
of effectiveness in solving the original
need or problem. This may be as simple
as applying the specifications to the end
product to see if it does all that it is
suppose to do, but more often it involves
performance testing.
 9. Communicate the Solution
 Ideas need to be “sold” at this stage to clients or
management. The presentation may include the
prototypes, models, or other forms. The
designer must know the design and subject
matter related to the solution in order to
effectively communicate the features. A
designer, after completing the design process,
can see how well he or she has accomplished
the goals and whether more development work
in necessary.
 Steps of the Engineering Design
Process
 1. Identify the problem
 2. Define or “refine” the problem
 3. Gather information
 4. Develop alternate solutions
 5. Select and refine the best solution
 6. Express the design solution
 7. Build a model or prototype
 8. Evaluate, revise, and refine
 9. Communicate the solution