Engineering Design Process What is design and how is it done?

Many definitions of design… Design is art Design as problem solving Design activity as applying scientific knowledge Design is a social process in which individual object worlds interact, and design parameters are negotiated. Source: Dr. Robin Adams ENE 696G course notes

Crismond (2007) draws from many sources in his definition of design as “’goal-directed problem- solving activity’ (Archer, 1965) that initiates change in human-made things (Jones, 1992), and involves optimizing parameters (Matchett, 1968) and the balancing of trade-offs (AAAS, 2001) to meet targeted users needs (Gregory, 1966). ” Source: Crismond, D. (2007). Contrasting strategies of beginning and informed designers: One representation of learning progressions in engineering design.

Multiple Valid Solutions Examples: Cell phones and Computers

Design Process Six Phases 1.Problem Identification 2.Specification Development 3.Conceptual Design 4.Detailed Design 5.Production 6.Service/Maintenance 7.Redesign or retirement

The Design Cycle Specification Development Detailed Design Production Service Maintenance Redesign Retirement Problem Identification Conceptual Design Disposal

Interactions with Stakeholders Prototypes/communications at all stages Human-Centered Design

Iterations in the Design Process Disposal Specification Development Detailed Design Production Service Maintenance Redesign Retirement Problem Identification Conceptual Design

Iteration and Test Generate Ideas Define Measurable Specifications Implement Test Go to next phase Generate Ideas Define Measurable Specifications Implement Test Back to previous phase

Iteration and testing Prob ID Spec Dev Con Des Det Des Prod Main and serv. Document Why advanced Why interated

Seeking and Selecting Each phase of the design process requires creative solutions and has a divergent component where ideas are sought and a convergent component where options are selected Diverge Seek Possibilities Converge Narrow Choices Problem Identification Specification Development Conceptual Design Converge Narrow Choices Converge Narrow Choices Diverge Seek Possibilities Diverge Seek Possibilities

Why is design difficult? Engages different types of thinking Requires designers to manage so many ideas and aspects Addresses different types of problems

Good design… Good designs involve diverse perspectives and expertise IDEO – industry leader in design and innovation – Design thinking is a crucial business asset—one that can, indeed, move a company forward and improve the bottom line. To optimize this impact, (we) advise thoughtfully structuring the innovation process. They stress working on projects that improve people’s lives.. - Ryan Jacoby and Diego Rodriguez, Innovation, Growth, and Getting to Where You Want to Go, Design Management Review Vol. 18 No. 1