Engineering Design Process
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There are numerous flowchart about Engineering Design Process. After reading and studying many papers, also combing with my personal experiences. I accumulated five basic steps for each engineering design as showed on the diagram on the right.
As Phd. Seyyed Khandani researched on his paper, I listed all steps with a brief explanation for each one below:
1. DEFINE THE PROBLEM
You need to begin the solution to a design problem with a clear, unambiguous definition of the problem. Unlike an analysis problem, a design problem often begins as a vague, abstract idea in the mind of the designer. Creating a clear definition of a design problem is more difficult than, defining an analysis problem. The definition of a design problem may evolve through a series of steps or processes as you develop a more complete understanding of the problem.
2. GATHER PERTINENT INFORMATION
Before you can go further in the design process, you need to collect all the information available that relates to the problem. Novice designers will quickly skip over this step and proceed to the generation of alternative solutions. You will find, however, that effort spent searching for information about your problem will pay big dividends later in the design process. Gathering pertinent information can reveal facts about the problem that result in a redefinition of the problem. You may discover mistakes and false starts made by other designers. Information gathering for most design problems begins with asking the following questions. If the problem addresses a need that is new, then there are no existing solutions to the problems, so obviously some of the questions would not be asked.
3. GENERATE MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS
The next step in the design process begins with creativity in generating new ideas that may solve the problem. Creativity is much more than just a systematic application of rules and theory to solve a technical problem.
4. ANALYZE AND SELECT A SOLUTION
Once you've conceived alternative solutions to your design problem, you need to analyze those solutions and then decide which solution is best suited for implementation. Analysis is the evaluation of the proposed designs. You apply your technical knowledge to the proposed solutions and use the results to decide which solution to carry out. You will cover design analysis in more depth when you get into upper-level engineering courses.
5. TEST AND IMPLEMENT THE SOLUTION
The final phase of the design process is implementation, which refers to the testing, construction, and manufacturing of the solution to the design problem. You must consider several methods of implementation, such as prototyping and concurrent engineering, as well as distinct activities that occur during implementation, such as documenting the design solution and applying for patents.
REFERENCE:
Ertas, A., Jones, J. C., The Engineering Design Process, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1996.
As Phd. Seyyed Khandani researched on his paper, I listed all steps with a brief explanation for each one below:
1. DEFINE THE PROBLEM
You need to begin the solution to a design problem with a clear, unambiguous definition of the problem. Unlike an analysis problem, a design problem often begins as a vague, abstract idea in the mind of the designer. Creating a clear definition of a design problem is more difficult than, defining an analysis problem. The definition of a design problem may evolve through a series of steps or processes as you develop a more complete understanding of the problem.
- Identify and Establish the Need
- Develop a Problem Statement
- Establish Criteria for Success
2. GATHER PERTINENT INFORMATION
Before you can go further in the design process, you need to collect all the information available that relates to the problem. Novice designers will quickly skip over this step and proceed to the generation of alternative solutions. You will find, however, that effort spent searching for information about your problem will pay big dividends later in the design process. Gathering pertinent information can reveal facts about the problem that result in a redefinition of the problem. You may discover mistakes and false starts made by other designers. Information gathering for most design problems begins with asking the following questions. If the problem addresses a need that is new, then there are no existing solutions to the problems, so obviously some of the questions would not be asked.
- Is the problem real and its statement accurate?
- Is there really a need for a new solution or has the problem already been solved?
- What are the existing solutions to the problem?
- What is wrong with the way the problem is currently being solved?
- What is right about the way the problem is currently being solved?
- What companies manufacture the existing solution to the problem?
- What are the economic factors governing the solution?
- How much will people pay for a solution to the problem?
- What other factors are important to the problem solution (such as safety, aesthetics and environmental issues)?
- Search for Information Resources
3. GENERATE MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS
The next step in the design process begins with creativity in generating new ideas that may solve the problem. Creativity is much more than just a systematic application of rules and theory to solve a technical problem.
4. ANALYZE AND SELECT A SOLUTION
Once you've conceived alternative solutions to your design problem, you need to analyze those solutions and then decide which solution is best suited for implementation. Analysis is the evaluation of the proposed designs. You apply your technical knowledge to the proposed solutions and use the results to decide which solution to carry out. You will cover design analysis in more depth when you get into upper-level engineering courses.
- Analysis of Design Solutions
- Functional analysis
- Ergonomics
- Product Safety and Liability
- Economic and Market Analysis
- Mechanical/Strength Analysis
- The Decision Process
5. TEST AND IMPLEMENT THE SOLUTION
The final phase of the design process is implementation, which refers to the testing, construction, and manufacturing of the solution to the design problem. You must consider several methods of implementation, such as prototyping and concurrent engineering, as well as distinct activities that occur during implementation, such as documenting the design solution and applying for patents.
- Prototyping
- Concurrent Engineering
- Documentation
- Testing and Verification
REFERENCE:
Ertas, A., Jones, J. C., The Engineering Design Process, John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1996.