Documenting the Engineering Design Process Engineering Design and

Documenting the Engineering Design Process Engineering Design and Development © 2013 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Engineering Design and Development is not just about learning an engineering design process. It is also about learning how to capture and document that process.

The Engineering Notebook • An Engineering Notebook contains all design work completed for a specific design project. It is a chronological documentation of all tasks completed during a design process, including correspondence, ideas, sketches, journal entries related to design, calculations, photographs, class notes, meeting notes, test procedures and data, and other critical information. • In PLTW courses, students may use a single Engineering Notebook to document design work for multiple projects. However, it is recommended that each project have a separate designated section within the notebook that includes pertinent information for that project only.

The Classroom Binder • The course binder is used to store all course materials not included in the engineering notebook such as activities, research, reference materials, and handouts.

Portfolios A Portfolio is a collection of documents selected by the student for a particular purpose. Portfolios include student reflection. There are various types of portfolios used for various purposes and the teacher may decide which format is appropriate for use in his or her classroom.

Portfolios A Project Portfolio is a collection of artifacts assembled to document the design process of a single project. This may contain a duplication of some content from the engineering notebook and course binder and is used to showcase a student’s application of the design process. An example is the Puzzle Cube Project in IED. A Course Portfolio is a collection of selected work which demonstrates the range and depth of experience and skills gained from an entire course. A Longitudinal or Growth Portfolio shows growth from early to later work in regard to specific skills and extent of mastery. Entries in a Longitudinal Portfolio can span several years and courses. A Showcase Portfolio shows best work targeting specific skills.

Electronic Portfolios Connecting the original design work of students to opportunities and the national STEM conversation

Documenting the Process Documentation versus Outcome Documentation versus Recording and documenting every step of the journey… Presenting your work in a clear, coherent fashion…

What happened and when? – – Whose idea was it? Who can corroborate? What research was done? What experts were consulted? – Process Documentation can be your best evidence for proving that an idea or discovery was yours and when you had the idea. – Outcome Documentation is the best way to communicate your ideas and thought processes to others. “If it isn't written down, it didn't happen. “

Process Versus Outcome Documentation Process Documentation Engineering Notebook – A book in which an engineer will formally document, in chronological order, all work that is associated with a specific design project. – Best protection for the development of intellectual property. every idea… every research link… every interview… …dates …times …places

Process Versus Outcome Documentation Process Documentation Digital Files – Relevant digital files should inserted into the engineering notebook. – All digital files should be stored in a secure and organized location. – Digital files should be regularly backed up. every idea… every research link… Course Binder “Everything Else” every interview… – Everything else that has been printed, copied, or is a hard copy should go into an organized three ring binder. – Class notes and material not specific to your EDD project can also be organized in the three ring binder. …dates …times …places

Process Versus Outcome Documentation • Mostly derived from the work and documentation of the process documentation • The format and components of the outcome documentation are dependent on the audience – – – Your peers? A panel of reviewers? Investors? Trade journal article? Customers? “Tell me how you got from A to Z, how you made decisions along the way, and what you have learned…” Microsoft Clipart

Process Versus Outcome Documentation Common elements of most outcome documentation – The problem and the solution – Sketches and technical drawings – Models / prototypes – Research • Specific to the problem and design • Market research – Test procedures and data – Expert input

Process Versus Outcome Documentation Common forms of outcome documentation – Project portfolio – Trade journal article – Website – Trade show – Formal/juried presentation – Three panel display – Research paper – Innovation Portal Microsoft Clipart Note: Combinations of the above and others also are used.

Documenting the Process • Why Document? • Process versus Outcome Documentation Questions or Comments?

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