The Basic Elements Of Engineering Design

Selection Of "Best" Approach

The list of alternatives must be worked down to one or two reasonable concepts that will be pursued. Constraints such as cost, time and complexity will be important elements, in addition to estimates of how well each approach is likely to satisfy the specifications.

Test

The prototype needs to be tested to see if it meets the specifications. A detail test plan is needed. It is important to have it planned well in advance for testing.

Problem Statement

The purpose of the design process is to solve a problem. The problem statement is the defining purpose for beginning the design process. For example: What are the needs of the customer? Is it possible to run a car without gasoline?

Detailed Design

The selected alternative(s) must be converted from conceptual block diagrams to representations of physical elements and processes that can be implemented.

Alternative Approaches

What are different ways to solve a problem? Brainstorming is a useful technique to help the largest set of possibilities. Anything goes-wild ideas are welcome. Several designers working together are much better than one working alone.

Specifications

A detailed list of performance requirements and assumptions are found in the problem in the problem statement.

Manufacturing

If the design was for a product, a complete manufacturing plan must be developed. This includes tooling, inventory, assembly, final test, shipping, etc.

Life Cycle Support

Once a product leaves the factory, if must be supported. For example, warranty repairs, upgrades, and other customer services are needed to keep products running. Problems from the field are also valuable for improving designs. When a product is worn out, it must be disposed of or recycled so as not to present a hazard environment.

Design Modifications

Errors and shortcomings of the design need to be corrected. This may require selecting another alternative design approach. Sometimes, it may require changing (loosening) the specifications.

Documentation

Every step of the design process requires extensive documentation to provide a reference for other designers, users, and many others. A combination of text, figures, databases, and other methods are used to document the complete design.

Prototyping

The detailed design needs to be implemented so that it can be tested against the specifications. Simulation allows some components and processes to be modeled so that behavior can be predicted.