BeginnerTopic 2 of 102Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems
Engineering design process
Define, research, ideate, prototype, test and iterate.
In depth
A structured loop: define the problem and requirements, research, generate concepts, evaluate and select, detailed design, prototype, test, iterate and release. Tools: requirements lists, decision matrices, sketches, CAD, simulation, FMEA. Iteration and user feedback reduce risk.
Key points
- Divergent then convergent thinking
- Design reviews
- Prototyping fidelity levels
ExampleA team builds three cardboard prototypes before machining the final bracket.
What is Engineering design process?
Define, research, ideate, prototype, test and iterate.
Why is it important to understand engineering design process?
A structured design process keeps projects focused and reduces costly late changes, because problems found early are cheap to fix.
What are the main stages of the design process?
Define the problem, research, generate ideas, prototype, test and iterate until the design meets the requirements.
Why iterate rather than finish once?
Testing always reveals something that analysis missed, so repeating the cycle is how a design reaches its final quality.
How is Engineering design process used in practice?
Typical applications include developing a new hand-held tool from a rough idea to a tested product, choosing between three concepts for a robot gripper and planning the testing stages of a new appliance.
What should I learn before Engineering design process?
Study "What engineers do" first (topic 1 of 102 in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of Engineering design process?
Divergent then convergent thinking. Design reviews. Prototyping fidelity levels.
Can you give an example of Engineering design process?
A team builds three cardboard prototypes before machining the final bracket.
What comes after Engineering design process?
The next topic is "Problem solving and estimation", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is Engineering design process?
It is classed as Beginner in Manufacturing, Robotics & Systems (topic 2 of 102). It is an entry-level topic. It relies only on basic school mathematics and the ideas introduced earlier in this discipline.