The Engineering Process
The engineering process is the sequence of steps engineers take to create functional products and processes. It is an iterative process which can be used to create prototypes and enhance existing solutions. It’s also an excellent tool to improve problem-solving skills and develop the “design under constraints” mentality. The process of engineering design is similar to the scientific method however it differs in that scientists conduct experiments, while engineers employ creativity and design.
Identify the issue
The first step is to identify the necessary elements for an effective project. This involves a lot of thinking about the possibilities and requires the engineer to consider constraints (e.g. when generating possible solutions, engineers need to consider constraints (e.g., time, materials, and tools). This requires an engineer to analyze the various options by identifying strengths and weaknesses and then selecting the most suitable solution for achieving the objective of the project.
Generate Ideas
Engineers can choose to employ various methods to come up with solutions which range from brainstorming and discussions to CAD modeling in 2D and animation. The solutions created can be visualized and then compared to the requirements of the problem to identify the most suitable solution.
After the final design has been formulated Now that the final solution has been decided upon, it is time to build a prototype for the product. This could be as easy as sketching a design on paper or as a model constructed using the CAD software. This step gives engineers to test the final product and determine whether it meets the desired goals.