When engineers develop a model, which step in the engineering process is taking place

What is the Engineering Design Process?

The engineering design process is a series of steps that engineers follow to come up with a solution to a problem.

Many times the solution to a problem involves designing a product (like a machine or computer code) that meets certain criteria and/or accomplishes a certain task. This process is different from the Steps of the Scientific Method, which you may be more familiar with. If your project involves making observations and doing experiments, you should probably follow the Scientific Method. If your project involves designing, building, and testing something, you should probably follow the Engineering Design Process. If you still are not sure which process to follow, you should read Comparing the Engineering Design Process and the Scientific Method.

The interactive diagram below may help you understand the engineering design process, and how it is applied to an experiment or project. You can click on parts of the diagram to learn more. Use the "return to top" button

Engineers do not always follow the engineering design process steps in order, one after another. It is very common to design something, test it, find a problem, and then go back to an earlier step to make a modification or change to your design. This way of working is called iteration, and it is likely that your process will do the same!

Steps of the Engineering Design Process

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?

[Who] need(s) [what] because [why].

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:

• Users or customers
• 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.

For detailed help with this step, use these resources:

• Prototyping

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.

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Free science fair projects.

• 1. This is the application of engineering to living things such as humans and plants

A) bio-engineering
B) photosynthesis
C) prototype
D) cost-benefit-analysis

• 2. What is the first step of the engineering design process

A) research
B) making a prototype
C) communicate
D) Identifying the problem

• 3. This is the "test model" of the product

A) prototype
B) cost-benefit analysis
C) photograph
D) summary

• 4. This is the process of creating technology

A) photosynthesis
B) scientific method
C) engineering
D) research

• 5. This step follows creating the prototype in the engineering design process

A) research
B) test and evaluate
C) identify the problem
D) eat a snack

• 6. This is the positive purpose for which the technology is designed to be used

A) unintended consequences
B) assistive bio-engineering
C) cost-benefit analysis
D) intended benefit

• 7. After you have identified the problem, what should you do next?

A) communicate your results
B) research
C) run a test
D) build a prototype

• 8. Engineers make sure that the cost of designing and producing the new product is worth its benefit. What is this called?

A) prototype
B) over-priced
C) cost-benefit analysis
D) final product

• 9. This term refers to the products and processes that are designed to serve our needs as well as the tools and methods for creating the products and processes.

A) technology
B) engineering
C) photosynthesis
D) cost-benefit analysis

• 10. Which one of these is not an example of technology?

A) cell phones
B) microwaves
C) computers
D) the air we breathe

• 11. Which question do engineers NOT ask?

A) What is the problem?
B) Will I use this technology for myself?
C) Who does the problem affect?
D) Why does the problem need to be solved?

• 12. When brainstorming ideas, it is most important to focus on what?

A) the 10 best solutions
B) As many ideas as possible (quantity)
C) what's for dinner
D) One awesome idea

• 13. These are the uses or results that engineers do not purposely include in the design of products

A) prototype
B) intended consequences
C) unintended consequences
D) cost-benefit analysis

• 14. Unintended consequences can be either negative or positive

A) I don't know
B) True
C) False

• 15. Which of these is a negative effect associated with some types of new technology?

A) decreased physical activity
B) increased worker productivity
C) faster diagnosis of medical problems
D) less time required to find information

• 16. How has the invention of the personal computer helped people the most?

A) by reducing pollution
B) by improving transportation
C) by increasing communication
D) by replacing paper

• 17. This type of bio-engineering is developed to help organisms WITHOUT changing them

A) photosynthesis
B) consequences
C) assistive bio-engineering
D) adaptive bio-engineering

• 18. Which statement BEST describes how the Internet has helped improve life for many people?

A) The Internet has eliminated the need for the library.
B) People can now do their work from home.
C) People are able to access information from many locations
D) The Internet allows students to concentrate more on homework.

• 19. This type of technology helps organisms by actually CHANGING the organism.

A) adaptive bio-engineering
B) blending
C) assistive bio-engineering
D) photosynthesis

• 20. Which of the following is NOT an example of assistive bio-engineering

A) eye glasses
B) hearing aid
C) wheelchair
D) hip replacement

• 21. How do road reflectors MOST benefit people

A) by helping drivers to see the road more clearly
B) by helping people to cross the road safely
C) by helping workers with road construction
D) by helping runners see cars on the road

• 22. Which of these is an example of assistive bio-engineering

A) contact lenses
B) cochlear implants
C) prosthetic limb
D) knee replacement

• 23. Which of the following best defines the word constraint?

A) idea
B) option
C) opportunity
D) restriction

• 24. In engineering, the design process begins when...

A) information about an existing product is gathered by an engineer
B) and engineering design team comes up with ideas for a new product
C) a design engineer recognizes the need for a solution to a problem

• 25. When finding the solution to an engineering design problem, there is/are usually...

A) only one possible correct solution
B) many possible correct solutions
C) a very limited number of possible correct solutions

• 26. Using a walker is what type of bio-engineering?

A) adaptive
B) assistive

• 27. Wearing glasses is what type of bio-engineering

A) adaptive
B) assistive

• 28. Using pesticide on crops is what type of bio-engineering?

A) adaptive
B) assistive

• 29. Laser eye surgery to correct vision is using what type of bio-engineering?

A) assistive
B) adaptive

• 30. Developing genetically produced crops that can withstand long periods without water is what type of bio-engineering?

A) assistive
B) adaptive

• 31. Antibiotics used to destroy bacteria that cause disease is considered what type of bio-engineering?

A) adaptive
B) assistive

• 32. wearing a hearing aid is what type of bio-engineering?

A) assistive
B) adaptive

• 33. Today, almost all cars have seat belts. How does improving the design of seat belts help people the most?

A) It decreases the cost of cars.
B) It increases the comfort of passengers in cars.
C) It decreases injuries to passengers in cars
D) It increases the speed at which cars can travel

• 34. Cars were once assembled completely by hand. Industrial robots now assemble many car parts. What is a positive effect of using robots?

A) More mistakes are mad during the assembly.
B) More workers are needed for assembly.
C) There are fewer injuries to workers.
D) The assembly takes more time.

• 35. A Group of engineers wanted to know how different building designs would respond during an earthquake. They made several models of buildings and tested each for its ability to withstand earthquake conditions. Which will most likely result from testing different building designs?

A) Building designs will look nicer.
B) Building materials will be cheaper.
C) Building will be built faster.
D) Buildings will be made safer.

• 36. People can use tanning beds to get a tan without staying outside in the sunshine. Tanning beds were very popular products to buy and use in the 1990s. Which of the following is an undesirable consequence of the frequent use of tanning beds?

A) an increased number of skin cancer cases
B) an increased interest in physical fitness
C) the growth of tanning businesses across the country
D) the ability to get a tan even during winter months

• 37. Adaptive technology is a form of technology that has been modified from its original design in order to be accessible to people with disabilities. Which of the following is an example of adaptive technology?

A) a computer that has been redesigned to work faster and more efficiently
B) a cell phone that allows people to listen to music and play games with friends
C) a telescope that allows scientists to see stars that are hundreds of light years away
D) a television with closed captioning that translates audio into text for the deaf

• 38. The American scientist Oliver Evans invented the first refrigeration machine in 1805. Today, most American homes have a refrigerator in their kitchen. How has the refrigerator improved people's quality of life?

A) It helps people to eat healthier foods.
B) It helps people avoid the use of dangerous chemicals such as pesticides.
C) It allows people to enjoy foods such as ice cream.
D) It allows people to store food longer and more safely.

• 39. Technology has had _______ on the natural world in the last 200 years.

A) no impact
B) a decreasing impact
C) a minor impact
D) an increasing impact

• 40. Which of the following events is an important part of the engineering design process?

A) designing and building models
B) all of these
C) evaluating design constraints
D) testing and evaluating models

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