Engineering Design Process

In engineering, the design process begins when…

• an engineering design team comes up with ideas for a new product

• a design engineer recognizes the need for a solution to a problem

• information about an existing product is gathered by an engineer

Identifying the “target population” or “target audience” occurs during which step of the engineering design loop?

• Identify the Need

• Research the Problem

• Develop Possible Solutions

Engineers must understand the difference between requirements and constraints. Let’s say a team of engineers is asked to design a pair of kids’ tennis shoes for less than $20. They determine that the only way to manufacture shoes for this price is to use recycled materials. What is the team’s constraint?

• The shoes must be made out of recycled materials

• The shoes must cost less than $20 to manufacture

• The shoes must be designed for kids

During a brainstorming session we want to focus more on __________ of ideas rather than quality.

Although the terms “model” and “prototype” are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. A _______ is used to test different aspects of a product before the design is finalized. A ______ is used to demonstrate or explain how a product will look or function

• model, prototype

• prototype, model

When following the engineering design loop, the different stages can occur in which direction?

• clockwise

• counter-clockwise

• in any direction, including shortcuts

• both clockwise and counter-clockwise

The engineering design process is iterative. This allows engineers to…

• become proficient at different engineering software applications

• find the most optimal solution to a design problem

• Incorporate both math and science concepts into a design problem

When finding the solution to an engineering design problem, there is/are usually…

• only one possible correct solution

• never a solution

• a very limited number of possible correct solutions

• many possible correct solutions