How do engineers come up with their designs?
I want to know what the creative process is like #engineering #engineer #design
3 answers
Peter’s Answer
The most important part of developing a design is to first thoroughly understand the problem that needs to be solved. The problem, itself, needs to be well-understood. (For instance....A water supply shortage of "xx" for a city is forecast.) Equally important is to factor in any major constraints that may limit the approach or type of solution that could be applied. (Potential solutions: There is a nearby river, but an endangered fish species prevents the removal of any further water from that river for drinking supply. However, there is an available river located at a considerable distance from the city that could be used. Finally, a groundwater aquifer underlying the city could potentially be used.)
After carefully studying the social, environmental and economic cost of all the potential solutions, the "best" solution is chosen. Only then does the engineer begin the detailed design process. Each engineering discipline has a set of well-understood design approaches and procedures that he/she can apply to develop the specific project design that most efficiently solves the problem. This, of course, is the idealized outcome. In the real world ideal outcomes seldom seldom materialize and that's often where past experience in a profession is critical.
Pete Sturtevant, P.E.
Thank you, Mr. Pete!
Caitlin
Lionel’s Answer
What a great question this is Caitlin! And, as with all great questions, the answer has many layers.
The first part is education, and mentoring. We study common sets of real world problems and patterns that solve them, whether via an algorithm or technology or combination. We combine things we learned for them in new ways to handle variants. If we're lucky (or smart) we find senior people and ask them questions. We constantly are studying to learn about new techniques or challenge our assumptions we thought we had.
The second part builds on this and gives us an experience base we can apply to new problems.
And finally, there is an element of intuition, coupled with the experience and education. I may go through several designs and test them against the problem and variants and not be happy, finding a variant that is too difficult to "work around". But, at some point, I handle most of the "use cases" (requirements) well with my design and when I come up with a challenging variant, maybe it isn't a frequent case, so I am willing to compromise.
Hope that's helpful. I don't mean to make it sound like voodoo. It's something you learn as you get more and more senior in your career.
best,
Lionel
Thank you Lionel!
Do you have a career in engineering? What do you do?
Caitlin
Yes Caitlin. I've been software hi-tech my entire career: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lionelsilberman
Lionel Silberman
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Unraveling the Mystery: How Do Engineers Conceive Their Designs?
The conception of engineering designs is birthed from a multi-faceted, creative process that encompasses several stages such as research, idea generation, prototyping, testing, and refining. Here's a simplified walkthrough of the engineering design process:
Research: The journey begins with research. Engineers delve into the problem at hand, the resources available, and any pertinent standards or guidelines. This step allows them to grasp the project's context and limitations.
Idea Generation: Post-research, engineers engage in brainstorming sessions to formulate possible solutions. They employ various tools like mind mapping, sketching, or group discussions to churn out ideas. The aim here is to explore a wide array of possibilities before zeroing in on a specific design.
Concept Development: With a pool of potential solutions at hand, engineers start shaping their designs. They might draft detailed sketches, 3D models, or even rudimentary prototypes to test and polish their ideas. This phase involves assessing the feasibility and potential effectiveness of each concept.
Prototype Testing: After cherry-picking the most promising concepts, engineers construct and test prototypes. This enables them to spot any design flaws or issues and make the necessary tweaks before proceeding to production. Prototypes can range from basic cardboard models to functional ones that closely mirror the final product.
Testing and Refinement: Once a prototype is ready, engineers carry out stringent testing to assess its performance, safety, and reliability. They might run simulations, lab tests, or field trials to gather data on the design's performance under diverse conditions. Based on the outcomes, engineers refine the design and reiterate the testing process until they are content with the product's performance.
Documentation and Implementation: Once the design has passed the testing and refinement stage, engineers compile detailed documentation outlining the design specifications, materials, and manufacturing and assembly procedures. This information aids in producing the final product and ensuring it adheres to all the necessary standards and specifications.
Maintenance and Improvement: Even post successful implementation, engineers continually monitor the design's performance and make enhancements as required. This includes troubleshooting any issues that crop up during production or usage, and staying abreast with new technologies and materials that could boost the design.
In a nutshell, the engineering design process is a cyclical and iterative one, involving research, brainstorming, concept development, prototype testing, refinement, and documentation. By adhering to this process, engineers can conjure innovative and effective solutions to intricate problems.
Recommended Reference Titles:
Engineering Design Handbook: This exhaustive resource offers in-depth information on the engineering design process, encompassing best practices, tools, and techniques for each stage. It spans various engineering disciplines and is a handy guide for both students and professionals.
Design Thinking for Engineers: This book provides a glimpse into the design thinking approach, which underscores empathy, experimentation, and collaboration in the engineering design process. It offers practical tips and strategies for integrating design thinking into engineering projects to spur innovation and enhance problem-solving skills.
The Innovative University: Changing the DNA of Higher Education from the Inside Out: Although not specifically centered on engineering design, this book delves into the role of innovation and creativity in higher education. It provides valuable insights on how universities can cultivate an environment of innovation and creativity, which can be beneficial for engineering students and professionals in their design processes.
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James Constantine.