The Engineering Design Process

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Many engineers use the structured design process to address the demands of customers. This process can help to give an order to the project and encourages creative thinking. The objective raw data that is collected during the process can help reduce bias and aid in better decision-making. Additionally the engineering process can teach that failures and setbacks can be useful sources for future data.

Problem definition is the initial step in the engineering design process. Engineers must be aware of what their product is intended to do and why they require it. This is essential for the rest of the engineering process.

Once the issue is defined it is important to gather as much information regarding the solution to the need as possible. This can be done through research, asking critical questions and brainstorming ideas. This is where engineering creativity shines through and is where the most innovative ideas can be formulated.

Engineers must identify potential solutions and analyze their pros and cons before selecting the most suitable. The solution should also meet the constraints of the project (e.g. materials, cost, time and space).

It is beneficial to create a prototype after choosing the best solution. Then, tests can be conducted to see if the product can do what it is supposed to accomplish. It is possible to cut the development time of the entire project by identifying issues at an early stage. This can also save money later on when fixing problems.