Engineering Design Process

Step 1 - Identify the Problem

What is the problem?

Why is there a need to solve the problem?

1. Create a Problem Statement
1. Clear and concise
2. Should not be a question or give a potential solution
3. I will __________a _______ to __________________.
4. Ex. I will design a robot to vacuum all areas of my house.

Step 1 - Identify the Problem

Criteria

• Guidelines to follow
• Ex. What does the robot need to have?
• Ex. What does the robot need to do?

Constraints

• Limits on the design and challenges
• Size
• Budget
• Time
• Materials/Resources

Step 2 - Explore

Research other designs that match your criteria

Take the best qualities from each example and combine to create your own

Use different resources

Online, interviews with experts, observations, etc.

Step 3 - Design

Rough Sketch

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Not concerned with the quality of the sketch

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Sketch at least 3 different solutions

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Label sketches

Step 4 - Create

Build and test prototypes

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Refine design as you test and build

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Document your work, take pictures as you build

Step 5 – Try It Out

Trying out your design

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Listing out at least 3 pros and 3 cons in your notebook

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Does it meet the criteria and constraints?

Step 6 – Make it Better

Using the test results, make your design better

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Go back to the “Design” phase of the EDP

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Sketching, prototyping, and testing again

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And again

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…and again