What is the Engineering Design Process?
The Engineering Design Process is a series of steps that can be followed when developing a product or design. Engineering teams use this process when they are working to solve problems. The engineering design process is special because it is a cyclical process, allowing for repetition of steps as necessary in order to complete the project or design successfully.
This process allows for individuals and teams to test brainstorming skills, apply science and math concepts, utilize technology to design or create prototypes, and use critical thinking and problem solving skills to explore the best outcomes for the project. When these skills are utilized, many new questions arise that can possibly change the design or lead the project in a new direction.
Steps of the Engineering Design Process
1. Define the Problem
The engineering design process starts when you ask the following questions about problems that you observe:
- What is the problem or need?
- Who has the problem or need?
- Why is it important to solve?
2. Do Background Research
Learn from the experiences of others — this can help you find out about existing solutions to similar problems, and avoid mistakes that were made in the past. So, for an engineering design project, do background research in two major areas:
- Users or customers
- Existing solutions
3. Design Requirements
Design requirements state the important characteristics that your solution must meet to succeed. One of the best ways to identify the design requirements for your solution is to analyze the concrete example of a similar, existing product, noting each of its key features.
4. Brainstorm Solutions
There are always many good possibilities for solving design problems. If you focus on just one before looking at the alternatives, it is almost certain that you are overlooking a better solution. Good designers try to generate as many possible solutions as they can.
5. Choose the Best Solution
Look at whether each possible solution meets your design requirements. Some solutions probably meet more requirements than others. Reject solutions that do not meet the requirements.
6. Develop the Solution
Development involves the refinement and improvement of a solution, and it continues throughout the design process, often even after a product ships to customers.
7. Build a Prototype
A prototype is an operating version of a solution. Often it is made with different materials than the final version, and generally it is not as polished. Prototypes are a key step in the development of a final solution, allowing the designer to test how the solution will work.
8. Test and Redesign
The design process involves multiple redesigns of your final solution. You will likely test your solution, find new problems, make changes, and test new solutions before settling on a final design.
9. Communicate Results
To complete your project, communicate your results to others in a final report and/or a display board. Professional engineers always do the same, thoroughly documenting their solutions so that they can be manufactured and supported.