THEDESIGNPROCESS

Identify theProblem

Identify Criteria And Constraints

Brainstorm Solutions

Generate Ideas

Explore Possibilities

Select anApproach

Prototype

RefineDesign

Why??

The Design Process ensures that the idea is feasible, reduces the cost of the project, and makes the best use of the time used by the project.

How??

Think about the steps of the Design Process while watching this short video:

THEDESIGNPROCESS

Identify theProblem

Identify Criteria And Constraints

Brainstorm Solutions

Generate Ideas

Explore Possibilities

Select anApproach

Prototype

RefineDesign

Identify the Problem

What is to be accomplished? Is this necessary? If so, why? Is the idea feasible using current

resources?

Identify the Problem: Application Rube Goldberg machines have multiple

steps in order to reach a singular goal.What is the ultimate goal?How will the steps advance the machine?What forces are required to reach the goal?

Identify Criteria and Constraints

Are there any special requirements that the project must meet?

Some projects have identified criteria. Pay close attention to the information you are given!!SizeCostMaterial list

Identify Criteria and Constraints: Application Read and analyze the project handout.

Note:Size limitIntervention limitStep countStep criteria

Return to this step continuously in order to give development of the project direction.

Brainstorm Solutions Write down ideas that could be

implemented to achieve desired result. Lists, webs, and diagrams are all great methods to brainstorm.

Once the possible solutions have been put to paper, go through and eliminate those that are not feasible or do not fit into the applicable criteria.

Do not erase these, however, as they may provide new ideas for problems later on.

Brainstorm Solutions: Application What does the machine need to

accomplish?What motion is involved?How much force is required?

Use equal parts prior knowledge and research to accomplish this step.

Generate Ideas

Ideas are built on the possible solutions made in the previous step.

Ideas should be slightly more developed and detailed. These can always be changed or improved on later.

Ideas should be buildable and testable.

Generate Ideas: Application Build a list of steps the machine will run

through.These should be plausible to buildWhen possible, sketch the ideas to give

form to the steps

Explore Possibilities

Research, Research, Research!Have the ideas generated been done

before?If so, what were some problems

encountered? Begin to elaborate and eliminate ideas.

Are any ideas outside the criteria? Do the ideas have sufficient detail to be

built accurately?

Explore Possibilities: Application

Search for previous Rube Goldberg projects.Have your ideas been implemented in other

machines?Can any ideas be adapted for use in your

machine?

Remember: Copying steps is plagiarism!! Cite your sources!!

Select an Approach

Choose ONE idea to begin developing.This should be plausible and testable

Write a procedure for prototyping. This will be crucial in the next step.

Select an Approach: Application

Detail one step in the machine.What materials should be used?What forces will be exerted on the parts?How will the parts be fabricated?

Note: This step and the next step will be used again and again for each step of the machine. Be sure to look over the other steps from time to time as well.

Prototype

Build the ideaMeasure twice, cut onceAdhere to ALL safety regulations (Don’t

forget eye protection!)If you don’t know how to use it, don’t.

Prototype: Application

Gather materials and begin assembly.Do any materials require special tools or

processes? Return to this step every time you select

a new approach.

Refine Design

Did the prototype work?If so, are there any improvements that can be

made to enhance performance?If not, identify the problem and find a solution.If the idea fails completely, is there another

way to get the desired results? This step generally reflects the time and

effort put into the other steps. More time spent in planning = less time revising the design.

Refine Design: Application Did the step successfully trigger the next

step or accomplish the goal? Can the step be streamlined to operate

faster, smoother, or better? Can cheaper or more readily available

materials be used?

Things to Remember

The design process is iterative. Most engineers spend years checking and rechecking their design before it ever sees production.

The more time spent in design, the better the overall project will be.

Keep checking the criteria. Remember what the original problem is.

Its easy to get sidetracked.

Quiz!!

Before continuing, be sure you are familiar with the topics discussed!

1. A student asks, “How big does the table need to be?”

What step is the student exhibiting?a) Select an Approach

b) Identify the Problem

c) Refine Design

d) Prototype

Try Again!

Remember: the student wants to know what needs to be accomplished.

Good Job!

2. What should be considered during Prototyping?

a) How much the materials cost

b) Ideas to solve the ultimate goal

c) Safety regulations

d) None of the above

Try Again!

Remember: safety is the number 1 priority when prototyping.

Good Job!

3. How many times should the Design Process be implemented?

a) Once

b) Twice

c) Never

d) As many as needed

Try Again!

Remember: The Design Process is iterative.

Good Job!

4. What should be considered when refining a design?

a) Speed

b) Efficiency

c) Cost

d) All of the above

Try Again!

Remember: Refining involves looking at all aspects of the project.

Good Job!

5. Considering how legs will fit to a table is which stage?

a) Prototype

b) Select an Approach

c) Refine Design

d) A + B

Try Again!

Remember: Some considerations apply to many stages.

Good Job!

References

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/plantgrowth/reference/Eng_Design_5-12.html

http://www.mos.org/eie/engineering_design.php

http://www.teachengineering.org/engrdesignprocess.php

http://www.theworks.org/fb/teachers/engineering_design_process.html

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