Engineering Definitions

The statement of the problem and a list of specifications and constraints for the solution.

• Informed Design
• Design Brief
• Engineering Design

The process that provides a way of making decisions without complete knowledge, and then refining or revising them as needed.

• Informed Design
• Design Brief
• Engineering Design

A systematic, creative, iterative process for addressing challenges.

• Informed Design
• Design Brief
• Engineering Design

A common trade off made in solving complex problems.

• Constraint
• Specification
• Risk/Benefit Trade-Off

The performance requirements or output requirements that a design solution must fulfill.

• Constraint
• Specification
• Risk/Benefit Trade-Off

A limit imposed on a design solution.

• Constraint
• Specification
• Risk/Benefit Trade-Off

A model of an object (either smaller or larger than the original) with all parts in correct proportion of the original.

• Prototype
• Scale Model
• Mathematical Model

A model that uses equations to describe how a product will function or perform.

• Prototype
• Scale Model
• Mathematical Model

A full scale, fully operational version of a design solution.

• Prototype
• Scale Model
• Mathematical Model

The science of adapting the work environment to people or designing a product so it can be used easily.

• Aesthetics
• Anthropometry
• Ergonomics