Steps In Engineering Design Process – Engineering Design

The engineering design process is a series of steps that guides engineering teams as we solve problems. The design process is iterative, meaning that we repeat the steps as many times as needed, making improvements along the way as we learn from failure and uncover new design possibilities to arrive at great solutions.

The engineering design process is a methodical series of steps that engineers use in creating functional products and processes. The process is highly iterative – parts of the process often need to be repeated many times before another can be entered – though the part(s) that get iterated and the number of such cycles in any given project may vary.

Read also: Introduction to machine Design | Types Of Machine Design

The steps of the engineering design process are to:

1. Define the Problem
2. Do Background Research
3. Specify Requirements
4. Brainstorm Solutions
5. Choose the Best Solution
6. Do Development Work
7. Build a Prototype
8. Test and Redesign

1. Define the Problem.

The engineering design process starts when you ask the following questions about problems that you observe:

What is the problem or need?
Who has the problem or need?
Why is it important to solve?

2.  Do Background Research:

Learn from the experiences of others — this can help you find out about existing solutions to similar problems, and avoid mistakes that were made in the past. So, for an engineering design project, do background research in two major areas:

1. Users or customers
2. Existing solutions

3. Specify Requirements:

Design requirements state the important characteristics that your solution must meet to succeed. One of the best ways to identify the design requirements for your solution is to analyze the concrete example of a similar, existing product, noting each of its key features.

4. Brainstorm Solutions:

There are always many good possibilities for solving design problems. If you focus on just one before looking at the alternatives, it is almost certain that you are overlooking a better solution. Good designers try to generate as many possible solutions as they can.

5. Choose the Best Solution:

Look at whether each possible solution meets your design requirements. Some solutions probably meet more requirements than others. Reject solutions that do not meet the requirements.

6. Develop the Solution:

Development involves the refinement and improvement of a solution, and it continues throughout the design process, often even after a product ships to customers.

7. Build a Prototype:

A prototype is an operating version of a solution. Often it is made with different materials than the final version, and generally it is not as polished. Prototypes are a key step in the development of a final solution, allowing the designer to test how the solution will work.

8. Test and Redesign:

The design process involves multiple iterations and redesigns of your final solution. You will likely test your solution, find new problems, make changes, and test new solutions before settling on a final design.

9. Communicate Results:

To complete your project, communicate your results to others in a final report and/or a display board. Professional engineers always do the same, thoroughly documenting their solutions so that they can be manufactured and supported.

Related posts:

What is Design Process | Shingley Model What is Value Engineering – Steps in Value Engineering Design For Manufacturing and assembly – Overviews, Steps, Advantages What is Aerospace Engineering – Salary ,Duties , Career Steps in Investment Casting Process | Advantages and Disadvantages Die Casting – Types , Steps in Pressure die Casting Process What is Generative Design – Generative Design Software 7 stages of new product development process