Many engineers use the structured design process in order to meet the demands of customers. The process helps to add an order to the project and encourages the use of creativity. The raw, objective data obtained during the process could also help to reduce bias and promote more accurate decision making. The process of engineering also teaches that failures and the engineering design process setbacks can be valuable sources of information for future projects.
Problem definition is the very first stage of the engineering design process. Engineers must be clear on the purpose of their product to do and the reasons why they need it. This is a crucial step for the rest of your engineering process.
Once the problem has been identified It is crucial to gather as much information as you can about the solution. This can be done by conducting research, asking tough questions and thinking about ideas. This is where engineering genius shines through and where the most creative ideas can be created.
Engineers must consider possible solutions and weigh their pros and cons before selecting the best. The solution must also be able to meet the requirements of the project (e.g. Cost, materials, space, and time are all important aspects.
Once the best solution has been chosen, it is recommended to design an early prototype of the item or equipment. Then, tests can be conducted to find out how well the product does what it’s supposed do. By identifying problems in the early stages this reduces overall development time and saves the cost of fixing issues later on.