Engineering Design Process

Step 1 Identify the Need or Problem

Step 2 Research the Need or Problem

Step 3 Develop Possible Solution(s)

Step 4 Select the Best Possible Solution(s)

Step 5 Construct a Prototype

Step 6 Test and Evaluate the Solution(s)

Step 7 Communicate the Solution(s)

Step 8 Redesign

Steps of the Engineering Design Process

1.      Identify the need or problem

2.      Research the need or problem

• Examine the current state of the issue and current solutions
• Explore other options via the Internet, library, interviews, etc.

3.      Develop possible solution(s)

• Brainstorm possible solution(s)
• Draw on mathematics and science
• Articulate the possible solution(s) in two and three dimensions
• Refine the possible solution(s)

4.      Select the best possible solution(s)

• Determine which solution(s) best meet(s) the original need or solve(s) the original problem

5.      Construct a prototype

• Model the selected solution(s) in two and three dimensions

6.      Test and evaluate the solution(s)

• Does it work?
• Does it meet the original design constraints?

7.      Communicate the solution(s)

• Make an engineering presentation that includes a discussion of how the solution(s) best meet(s) the initial need or the problem
• Discuss societal impact and tradeoffs of the solution(s)

8.      Redesign

• Overhaul the solution(s) based on information gathered during the tests and presentation.