Jump to content

Unit 2: What is the Engineering Process?

From KNILT

Return to: Unit 1: What do engineers do exactly?

Introduction

In this unit we take an in depth look at the engineering process as well as key vocabulary related to this process. While there are many different versions of the engineering process, they all contain the same basic steps. In this course we will be looking at the IDEAL engineering process.

Reflection

Before we dive in, take a moment to consider what you already know about the topic of engineering. Answer the following questions to help guide your reflection;

  • What was the last problem you encountered that required you to make, fix, build, or design something?
  • How did you solve this problem? Did you call "the guy" or maybe your parents? Did you look online for a solution?

The Engineering Process

The engineering process is a step-by-step method used to solve problems and create new product designs. The high tech society we live in today creates complex problems with infinite numbers of solutions, and success is not guaranteed! If only life could be as simple as the multiple choice tests we have in school that offer just four possible solutions and where one is guaranteed to be correct. Fortunately, there is a method that can be used to analyze problems and produce possible solutions in a systematic manner; The IDEAL Problem Solving System.

A design, or plan, is a solution to a problem. Seldom do engineers arrive at a solution that will last forever. For this reason, the design process is said to be iterative. An iterative process means it can be repeated or performed again to allow a designer to arrive at a solution that is as perfect as possible. To improve a design through repeated testing and development is known as optimization. This may explain why there are new and improved products released every year. Think about it, what if you had to use a cell phone that was produced ten years ago? There have been so many advances in ergonomics and aesthetics for cell phones over the past ten years. Ergonomics refers to the way a product functions and aesthetics has to do with product appearance. Additional motivation for companies to create new and improved products each year is to increase profits within the global economy.

Key Vocabulary

  • Engineering Process: A series of steps engineers follow to come up with a solution to a problem. IDEAL
  • Design Criteria: Criteria that designers should meet in designing some system or device.
  • Design Constraints: Limitations or conditions under which a system or device is developed.
  • Brainstorming: Coming up with several possible solutions to a problem.
  • Aesthetics: Product appearance.
  • Ergonomics: How a product functions.
  • Optimization: Improving a product based on test results and data.

The IDEAL Problem Solving System

The following infographic details each step of the IDEAL problem solving system. Working through these steps helps guide designers in developing solutions to problems.

Activity

"They don't make phones like they used too!"

Click on the URL to see how engineers have optimized the mobile phone (run time is 4:11): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrdNdprcYls

Optimization!

Having watched the video clip, list at least five improvements in mobile phone technology from 1947 through 2017 (and beyond).


Navigate to: Unit 3: Example Engineering Unit.

Retrieved from "https://knilt.arcc.albany.edu/index.php?title=Unit_2:_What_is_the_Engineering_Process%3F&oldid=133847"