Engineering Design Process and Key Concepts

Front

Identify the Need or Problem

Back

Phase 1; typically includes explaining criteria and constraints that will define a successful solution.

Front

Research

Back

Phase 2; done to learn more about the need/problem and potential solution strategies.

Front

Design

Back

Phase 3; includes brainstorming, developing possible solutions, selecting the best possible solution.

Front

Build a Prototype

Back

Phase 4; can be physical, computer, mathematical or conceptual model that can be manipulated and tested.

Front

Test & Evaluate

Back

Phase 5; to evaluate the model/prototype against the given criteria and constraints; all tests should be developed during the design proposal phase.

Front

Communicate

Back

Phase 6; explaining and sharing the solution and design.

Front

Collect Feedback & Improve

Back

Phase 7: provides constructive criticism to improve a solution, can be given at any point.

Front

Model

Back

A representation of a solution that can't be tested; created in the design phase.

Front

Prototype

Back

Constructed based on the design model(s) and used to test the proposed solution.

Front

Iteration

Back

The repetition of a process in order to generate an outcome.