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Design is
a fundamental activity that distinguishes engineering from
disciplines based on pure science or mathematics. In fact,
design is the essence of engineering, an aspect
of human ingenuity upon which the competitiveness depend.
Engineering
design may be defined as the systematic and creative application
of scientific and mathematical principles to practical ends such
as the design, manufacture, and operation of efficient and
economical structures, machines, processes, and systems.
Design
criteria are performance standards to be met by the design,
while, design constraints are limitations placed on the final
design. For example, in the design of an electric motor, the
efficiency and speed are design criteria; the budget limit for
the design is the constraint. Where possible, the criteria and
constraints must be easily measured by quantitative values, not
by subjective values that rely on opinion.
The design
skill is essentially a repetitive process of two phases:
synthesis and analysis. Through the phase of synthesis, ideas or
methods to solve the problem are suggested. However, the results
of each idea or method and the cost are calculated through the
phase of analysis. The following figure shows the steps in a
typical engineering process.
Engineering design process provide a good
framework for creative problem solving in various
circumstances. Instructors may use the design module in
conjunction with a variety of projects, like robotics
competitions, science exhibitions, and so on. The
context of the design is creative problem solving plus
applied math and science. In general, engineering design
include the following steps:
Identify key design issues and brainstorm options
Develop a design strategy
Build
and test prototype components
Assess product value to create a marketing strategy
Showcase your work
Lessons
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