The Design CycleThe Design Cycle

UCR MESAUCR MESA

Technology is …Technology is …

"...the know-how and creative processes that may assist people to utilize tools, resources and systems to solve problems and to enhance control over the natural and made environment in an endeavour to improve the human condition." (UNESCO, 1985).

Technology is…Technology is…

Key Points. Technology is

• Creative

• Made by people

• Used to solve problems

How Technology is CreatedHow Technology is Created

• Creating technology is a process

• Just as scientists use the scientific method to do science, engineers have a process.

• Engineers use the design cycle.

The Design CycleThe Design Cycle

InvestigateInvestigate

• Don’t start solving your problem from scratch.

• Spend time researching first

• Look up suggestions online

PlanPlan

• Brainstorm! Think of as many ideas as you can

• Use information from a variety of sources

• Put your ideas in an outline or sketch

CreateCreate

• Follow your design but make adjustments if necessary

• Use tools and technologies to make the job easier

• Work cooperatively

EvaluateEvaluate

• Test out your product• Determine how

successful the product is

• Suggest ways of improving your product

Design, then Redesign!Design, then Redesign!

• Engineers don’t just go through the design cycle once

• What if engineers never redesigned cars?

(Ever hear of the model T car? Well, there were also models A, B, C, E, F, K, N, R, and S)

Use the information you learn the first time to make a better design the second time!