Bo Zhang
Electrical Engineering Kansas State University
Personal Engineering Process
Through my studies, I learned the engineering process shown below. This process is an eight-step loop and I have seen myself use it before I was ever made aware of it through my undergraduate studies at K-State.
The engineering design process involves a series of steps that a student goes through to solve a problem. This process simplifies problem solving to make even the most difficult problems easy to solve.
[2] "Engineering Design Process," [Online]. Available: http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/plantgrowth/reference/Eng_Design_5-12_prt.htm. [Accessed 4 2016].
1: Identify the Problem
Define a problem or improvement activity and develop a project plan and milestones.
2: Identify Criteria and Constraints
Specify the design requirements, such as what should be accomplished, what should be considered to a problem.
3: Brainstorm Possible Solutions
Think of possible solutions that might solve the problem.
4: Generate Ideas
Generate a couple of ideas by narrowing down the initial solution thoughts.
5: Explore Possibilities
Do research about the potential ideas in terms of criteria, such as cost and time.
6: Select an Approach
Select an approach by comparing and analyzing options using the criteria from step 5.
7: Build a Model or Prototype
Construct a model or prototype based on the approach selected in step 6.
8: Refine the Design
Test the design with the requirements. If the design fails, go back and select a different approach in step 6. If no better option is available, go back to step 3 and brainstorm more possbile solutions.
This engineering design process provides a proven approach to problem solving and guides the application of improvement tools. It can be repeated again and again to get a better solution. Based on this process, I have created quality work with any sort of engineering problem.