1. Engineering Design Process
‘How engineers create solutions to problems’
Manuel Burton

2. Introduction to the Engineering Design Process Tutorial
The engineering design process is a series of stages engineers use when they are trying to solve a problem or develop a solution for a project. The stages in this process are correlated because of the difficulties that arise in any stage of the process and the variety of ways an issue can be resolved. All of the phases in this process are documented for reference and use to create a resourceful notebook for the project. To proceed through this tutorial, simply use the buttons in the bottom right corner of the page to perform the following actions:
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3. Phase 1: Identify the problem
In the beginning of a project, engineers gather detailed information about the problem to gain a better understanding of the project and what the solution will accomplish. Pictures, video, measurements, etc., are all documented for accuracy in defining the problem that needs to be resolved. Gathering these details gives direction for the solution and provides documented information for reference in the engineering notebook.

4. Phase 1: Identify the problem
Engineers define the problem by gaining a complete understanding of the issue they are trying to resolve. Inadequacies in this phase of the process can lead to time wasted and costly damages in the actual development of the solution.

5. Phase 2: Research
In this phase of the process, research is critical because it gives direction toward solutions. Engineers do extensive research on the problem they are solving and the environment surrounding the issue. Taking advantage of the internet, talking with professionals, reading articles, researching similar problems, etc., are some of the resources used to formulate solutions to a project. This investigation offers insight into previous solutions and how different materials were used based on the locations and characteristics of the environment.

6. Phase 3: Brainstorming
In this phase of the process, engineers collaborate their research and garner multiple ways to achieve a solution. Every solution generated is documented for reference in the engineering notebook. This is a critical phase of development because of the variety of solutions that can achieve a task. Engineers use this phase of the process to figure out the solution that is necessary for maximum functionality and stability in the project.

7. Phase 4: Choose a plan
During this phase of the process, engineers begin to generate the initial plans for the project according to the number of resources available. Drawings and models are built to visualize their ideas and are documented in the engineering notebook. This documentation will provide a visual learning tool to evaluate the positive and negative components of each design. This educates engineers about the functionality of different solutions. Most of the time this comparison allows engineers to create the solution that is necessary for the project. Once all of the possible solutions have been revealed, then a decision is made about the best solution that will suit the needs of the project.

8. Phase 5: Create
In this phase of the process, engineers build the essential components of the solution first to determine their functionality. After those parts are created then the basic components of the entire project are added to see complete functionality of the entire solution. All designs are documented for review during this phase of the project.

9. Phase 6: Testing
Throughout this phase of the project, engineers take their initial design through a series of functionality tests. These tests are designed and simulated in the actual environment the product will be performing. The results of these tests are documented and evaluated to determine the efficiency of the solution. After evaluation engineers determine the components that need to be modified to make it more effective. Engineers want to offer the solution that provides the best results for the project.

10. Phase 7: Redesign
In this phase of the process, engineers review feedback gained in the testing phase and use it to make modifications to the design. Engineers often refer to their engineering notebook about alternative design ideas and revert to previous phases of the process. The process is designed exactly for this reason because of the many difficulties engineers encounter in a project. Remember, engineers want to provide the solution that will offer the best results for the project.

11. Phase 8: Presenting
In this phase of the process engineers offer the final solution of the project to be reviewed by managers and consultants for approval. Engineers are ready to answer questions about alternative designs and offer insight into why they chose the solution to complete the needs of the project.

12. Congratulations on completing the tutorial about the Engineering Design Process. To ensure that you understand the components of the process, continue through this tutorial to complete the quiz. Upon completion of the quiz, you will be provided a link for reflection about this process.

13. Question 1:
In the Brainstorming phase, engineers generate one solution for a project and expand on it.
TRUE
FALSE

14. Review the Brainstorming phase of the tutorial.
INCORRECT!
Review the Brainstorming phase of the tutorial.

15. CORRECT!!

16. Question 2:
When Identifying the problem of a project, which one of these does an engineer NOT do:
Gather as much detailed information about the problem
Take pictures, video, measurements for details about the problem
Contact other engineers about solutions to similar problems
Document the gathered information in the engineering notebook

17. Review the Define the problem phase of the process.
INCORRECT!
Review the Define the problem phase of the process.

18. CORRECT!!

19. Question 3:
In the Redesign phase, engineers review feedback gained in the _______________ phase to improve the solution.
Research
Choose a plan
Testing
Brainstorming

20. Review the Redesign phase of the tutorial.
INCORRECT!
Review the Redesign phase of the tutorial.

21. CORRECT!!

22. Question 4:
Choose one reason that the phases in the Engineering Design Process are correlated?
Only one final solution can be found to a project using the process
The abundance of resources provided for a project
Difficulties that can arise in any phase of the process
Creating a solution is simple in the process

23. Review the Introduction to the tutorial.
INCORRECT!
Review the Introduction to the tutorial.

24. CORRECT!!

25. Question 5:
Engineers use drawings and models to simulate their ideas and document them in the engineering notebook.
TRUE
FALSE

26. Review the Choose a plan phase of the tutorial.
INCORRECT!
Review the Choose a plan phase of the tutorial.

27. CORRECT!!

28. Question 6:
In the Create phase of the process, engineers build which components first to determine their functionality?
Rational
Basic
Essential
Large

29. Review the Create phase of the tutorial.
INCORRECT!
Review the Create phase of the tutorial.

30. CORRECT!!

31. Question 7:
Engineers want to provide the fastest solution to a project, regardless of how it functions.
TRUE
FALSE

32. Review the Testing and Presenting phase of the tutorial.
INCORRECT!
Review the Testing and Presenting phase of the tutorial.

33. CORRECT!!

34. Tutorial Reflection Survey
Congratulations you have completed this tutorial. Now you are ready to implement this process in a project of your own!! Click on the link below to complete the reflection survey about this tutorial.
Tutorial Reflection Survey