The engineering design process is a series of steps that engineers follow to create functional products and processes. It is a decision-making process that applies basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering sciences to convert resources optimally to meet a stated objective. The process is highly iterative, meaning that it involves repeating the steps as many times as needed to make improvements and arrive at great solutions. The following are the common stages of the engineering design process:
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Defining the problem: This involves identifying the problem that needs to be solved, who the design product is for, and why it is important to find a solution. Engineers need to ask critical questions about the project requirements, limitations, and goals.
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Researching the problem: This involves completing background research on the problem and brainstorming possible solutions.
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Establishing design requirements: This involves identifying and analyzing the functional and operational requirements that the new product or system must meet. The design requirements control the design of the product or process being developed throughout the engineering design process.
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Synthesis: This involves creating a prototype of the solution based on the design requirements.
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Analysis: This involves testing and evaluating the prototype to determine if it meets the requirements. If the solution built meets the requirements, then the results can be shared. If the solution does not meet all the requirements, then another solution is thought of and tested.
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Construction: This involves building the final product or system based on the prototype.
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Testing and evaluation: This involves testing the final product or system to ensure that it meets the design requirements and evaluating its performance.
The engineering design process is a systematic approach to solving problems and creating new products or systems. While there are different ways to frame or articulate the design process, most models share some common stages.
