Engineering Design Process
A Closer Look
The Engineering Design Process is a
method of thinking
that takes a designer through the
necessary steps to create
an idea and end up with a working
product. The product
is created to meet a need or solve a
problem. The
process starts with ASK and follows
with IMAGINE, PLAN, BUILD, TEST,
and IMPROVE. Each of these steps is
critical to the process because they allow the designer to refine the
product before settling on a final product.
The loop, or cycle, orientation of the steps indicates that the process
can have many runs through the steps to realize the final product.
Each run-through process is called an iteration. The Engineering
Design Process can be called an iterative process.
The Steps of the Engineering Design Process
ASK
The 1st step of the EDP is the most important. Here is where the
designer takes time to understand the problem that needs to be
solved. Depending on the task, the designer must ask questions that
will ultimately lead the designer to the desired solution.
IMAGINE. The next step of the EDP is vital because here is where
the unique abilities of the designer begin to influence the process.
The designer must imagine all possible solutions to the problem. At
this point, no idea is considered “wrong” or “bad” as long as the
designer is informed about the starting point and the ending goal.
PLAN
The next step of the EDP is important because the designer begins to
think critically about the possible solutions. The solutions must fall
within the scope of the project. Each project comes with a set of
rules, or boundaries that must be followed. Engineers call these rules
constraints. Common constraints include budget guidelines,
geographical/physical space guidelines, and deadlines. The planning
step often includes drawings, sketches, lists, spreadsheets, and
presentations that show the plan of the designers to achieve the
solution.
BUILD
The next step of the EDP is where a solution begins to take form. A
project will go under construction at this point strictly following the
plan of the designers. Most of the time, engineers will build models
of the final product before they begin building the actual product.
Each model that is built is called a prototype.
TEST. The next step of the EDP is where a product is put to the test
to see if it solves the problem and has the desired outcome.
Engineers must put the product through rigorous and real-world
testing to ensure success.
IMPROVE
The next step of the EDP is where engineers must make a decision
whether the solution has been fully met to the expectations of those
who need it. If the product does not solve the problem, then the
engineers must start the EDP over at the ASK step. The engineers
must ask what steps need to be taken to improve the design.
Remember: Every obstacle you encounter does NOT mean failure. It
is another chance to improve and achieve success.
Name:_________________________________________________________________________
Answer the following questions in complete sentences. Each question should be answered with
approximately 5-10 sentences. Put your answers after each question.
1. What are the roles of an engineer?
2. What is something that you have used today that was designed by an engineer? What parts
were designed by an engineer?
3. Why is making a model, or prototype, important in the design process?
6. What have you learned from the iterative process?
