Engineering Design A 10 Step Process 10 Stages

Engineering Design A 10 -Step Process

10 Stages to Design n n Identify the problem Define the working criteria/goals Research and gather data Generate creative ideas Analyze potential solutions n n n Develop and test models Make the decision Communicate and specify Implement and commercialize Review and assessment

Identify the Problem n n n Reduce to basic needs Beware of solutions in the problem statement King of the Mountain – “Build a machine that can place a ping-pong ball higher, between the marks, than an opposing machine”

Working Criteria/Goals n Constraints – limits on design options n n Physical size Available materials Available technology Goals – targets for design success n n n Size or weight Ease of use Manufacturing ease Safety Environmental concerns – recycle?

Research/Gather Data n Library n n Journals Textbooks Internet Looking for: n n Existing technology New materials/applications Similar Products Related ideas

Generate Ideas n Brainstorm n n n No analysis/discussion More ideas = better Break into parts n n Motion up the hill Steering Raise the ball Defensive action

Analyze Potential Solutions n Narrow the list n n n Eliminate duplicates Ask clarifying questions Eliminate least likely candidates n n Meet the constraints? Common sense concerns? Require new technology? Vote for top three

Analyze Potential Solutions n Consider remaining ideas n n n Economic analysis Basic engineering principles Compatibility with criteria/goals n n n Manufacturing Marketing Human factors

Develop and Test Models n n n Mathematical Computer Graphs/diagrams Physical Testing n n n Durability/reliability/strength Prototyping Manufacturing/quality

Decide! n What’s best? n n Intangibles n n n Decision criteria Decision table Weighted table Reduce to cost Ranking Decision makers

Communicate! n n Design process/Decision analysis Plans Specifications Who needs to approve before the project succeeds? n n n Manufacturing Sales Legal

Implement/Commercialize n New team needed to bring to market n n n n Management Technical HR/Personnel Purchasing Marketing Sales Legal Design Team may play smaller role here

Review and Assess n n Project in Full Production Project Team released to other work Product performance review Process review n n What worked well Could changes in process improve: n n Product quality Time to market