1. How organization can improve creativity Robotics and Automation Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 1

2. Overview  The Engineering Design process has several steps.  The process is typically repeated to improve the design. The process itself is iterative or cyclical. Think of how many times the iPhone has been improved.  There is no single process that works for every project. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 2

3. Engineering Design Vs. Scientific Method  There are important differences between the Scientific Method and Engineering Design.  The distinguishing features of Engineering Design include: taking into account specifications and constraints; dependence on iteration; and the embrace of multiple possible solutions.  The differences in the two lists reflect the basic differences between science and engineering—scientists investigate and engineers create. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 3

4. Scientific Inquiry:  Demands evidence  Is a blend of logic and imagination  Explains and predicts  Tries to identify and avoid bias  Is not authoritarian  Attempts to justify one answer or solution Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 4

5. Engineering Design  Is purposeful  Is based on certain requirements  Is systematic  Is iterative  Is creative  Allows many possible solutions Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 5

6. Watch the video  Here is a nice video from TeachersDomain.org: Web Site Video 6 Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.

7. The basic steps  Identify the challenge  Research and brainstorm  Design a solution  Test ideas  Evaluate  Build! Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 7

8. Identify the Challenge  Determine the problem you are trying to solve.  Identify specific requirements.  What are the constraints?  Are there any size, weight, or budget limitations?  You WILL have a plan.  You need to be able to write a few short statements that explain what you want to do. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 8

9. Research and Brainstorm  Gather information.  Identify specific details of the problem and solution.  Identify possible and alternative solutions.  What construction methods are appropriate? Factor in materials cost and availability.  What are the social and environmental effects of your design? Are there health and safety factors? Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 9

10. Design a Solution  Prepare drawings and engineering plans.  Drawing can start out simple but will become more detailed as you settle on a design.  You WILL have some working drawings. Shape and form are important to strength, stability, and safety. How does it move? Where does it get power? How does it sense the environment? Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 10

11. Test Ideas  Build a model or prototype.  Does the design perform the required functions?  Do the drawings assist you for construction?  Test and troubleshoot the design.  Determine a working schedule.  Simple projects may not need a model. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 11

12. Evaluate  Does the design solve the problem?  Figure out what works and what does not work.  Here is where you can go back and redesign.  Evaluate the planning process.  Make sure each specification is satisfied.  Do you have the necessary tools and equipment? Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 12

13. Build!  The whole point of engineering is to build something.  Evaluate both before and after construction.  Was your design practical? Was it hard or easy to build?  Do not start building before you have a plan and a drawing! Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 13

14. Engineering Design Characteristics  First, it is purposeful.  A designer begins with an explicit goal that is clearly understood.  Design can be pictured as a journey with a particular destination, rather than a sightseeing trip. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 14

15. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.  Second, designs are shaped by specifications and constraints.  Specifications spell out what the design is intended to accomplish.  Constraints are limitations the designer must contend with, such as costs size requirements the physical limitations of the materials used. 15

16. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.  Third, the design process is systematic and iterative.  In addition, Engineering Design is a highly social and collaborative enterprise.  Engineers engaged in design activities often work in teams.  Communication with clients and others who have a stake in the project is crucial. 16

17. Other Considerations  KISS Keep It Simple Stupid  TIMTOWTDI There Is More Than One Way To Do It Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 17

18. The Process Is Iterative!  The cycle can continue over and over again. Continuous process improvement  You can jump in and out of the process at different points.  Some engineers specialize in one or a few steps.  The Engineering Design process is a way of managing creativity. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 18

19. What Works Best?  No single engineering design process is used by everyone. Goals are often unknown when a design project begins. Requirements and assumptions can change during the project.  Every process has a research, a design, and a building phase. You MUST have objectives and criteria. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 19

20. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved.  There is never just one “correct” solution to a design challenge.  Instead, there are a number of possible solutions.  Choosing among them inevitably involves personal as well as technical considerations.  Design is not a linear, step-by-step process.  Each new version of the design is tested and then modified based on what has been learned up to that point. 20

21. Evaluation  With data in hand, the engineer can evaluate how well the various solutions meet the specifications and constraints of the design.  The trade-offs needed to balance competing or conflicting constraints must be considered.  Engineers call this process optimization. Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2012. All rights reserved. 21