Engineering Design Process and Mindset Test

An engineering company has just proposed several ideas and are working on narrowing them down to the best idea to solve this problem. In which step of the design process is the company currently engaged?

• Brainstorming

• Choosing a solution

• Defining the problem

• Prototyping

An engineering design company has begun creating formal working drawings. In which step of the design process is the company currently working?

• Brainstorming

• Designing a solution

• Defining the problem

• Prototyping

Your first task is to ensure new recruits understand the purpose of an engineer. Which answer best describes the purpose of engineering?

• implementing systematic improvements

• applying mathematics and scientific principles to solve a problem to meet the needs of people and society

• creating solutions that are interesting

• reconciling competing interests throughout the design process

Jake and his design team are working on a design challenge to create the longest paper bridge (supported between two movable wooden cubes) that could carry the weight of three marbles. Jake is documenting the design process in his engineering notebook as he works with his team. He makes the following entry: After linking the pieces of paper together, we placed our paper bridge over the two wooden blocks to find that we had made a 2'-3" bridge and began to load the three marbles onto the bridge, one by one. Which stage of the design process is Jake describing?

• brainstorm solutions

• develop a solution

• construct and test a prototype

• evaluate a solution

Which of the following best exemplifies creativity in an engineering team?

• Following established protocols without deviation

• Developing a new solution to a complex problem

• Adhering strictly to project deadlines

• Maintaining a tidy workspace

A good communicator in an engineering team is most likely to:

• Keep all project details confidential

• Use technical jargon exclusively

• Avoid team meetings whenever possible

• Clearly explain complex concepts to non-technical people

Which scenario best demonstrates a collaborative approach in engineering?

• Working independently on all tasks

• Competing with team members for recognition

• Sharing ideas and resources to achieve project goals

• Taking credit for the team's collective work

Curiosity in an engineering team can be best fostered by:

• Discouraging questions during team meetings

• Limiting access to new technologies and research

• Focusing solely on immediate project goals

• Encouraging team members to explore new methods and technologies

An ethical decision in engineering would involve:

• Cutting corners to meet a deadline

• Ignoring potential environmental impacts of a project

• Prioritizing profit over safety concerns

• Reporting accurate environmental test results, even if they delay the project

Which action demonstrates a willingness to take risks in an engineering context?

• Ignoring safety protocols to save time

• Proposing an innovative but untested solution to a problem

• Avoiding any project with potential for failure

• Sticking only to well-established methods