I define engineering design as a process akin to feed-back systems; one that changes dynamically all along its stages simultaneously. This in contrast with linear or sequential processes is lateral thinking [1]. Lateral thinking does not concern the verity of statements at each stage of the process; rather it emphasizes the value of the stage for expanding other stages or ideas. Nevertheless, an engineer will face a unique solution problem, in which lateral thinking is of no value, so a combination of lateral and linear thinking is most effective.

 

To seek the optimal solution in a structured way, I employ an eclectic method, taking relevant features of different processes. Sometimes, I already have an idea in mind, and will either build a mock-up or render a CAD drawing, so as to actualize and make apparent other important details that I’ve missed. In trying to adopt iterative processes of design, I find a physical or 3D models helps me visualize and better understand the problem.

 

Most published engineering design process involve 4 to 9 stages [2]. I’ve chosen 4 most pertinent and necessary stages to my hands-on work style.

 

1. First define the problem. When designing for someone else, look to them for the specifications needed. This direct consideration of stakeholders is limited still. Then look to existing standards and specifications you are required by law to follow, these are quite easy to find, though not really applicable at this stage - without solutions - so revisit standards later on.

 

2.Get preliminary designs, as many and as varied as possible. Divergent techniques include brainstorming, which in past cases helped, though with subtlety. In general sense, brainstorming employs most of the techniques shown in Praxis, and the most helpful has been borrowing inspiration, from nature to other fields.

 

3.Decide upon a final design, and all the design details thereon. No doubt at this stage one will be quite attached to some preferred designs. Not necessarily a bad thing, but still go through the process of comparing your favourites and others. Formal tools available come mostly in the form of decision matrices, be it Pugh chart of PCM. Other systems exists, systems such as PERT or CPM or Decision trees, however, due to uncertainties in estimation of probabilities, employ them with caution.

 

4.With a particular design in mind, now convey to colleagues what it is exactly. Most straightforward approach is to simply 3D Model the solution. Other methods include free hand sketches, block diagrams, and other common forms, though they require some attention to the minutiae in order to work effectively.

As evinced above, my personal design process revolves heavily around computers. This is not accidental, I believe that computer software will become sophisticated enough to solve the problem, i.e. stages 2-4, without human intervention. See here for more examples of CAD.