[ this is where links to other engineering process pages will be available ]

The Engineering Process, James H. Earle Method

• Problem Identification – the source of the problem is probably deceptive
  + It is important to clearly define the problem before considering any solutions
  + This step involves describing what a solution must do, define constraints, and compile demands/wishes that are imposed
  + Data is gathered that might affect marketing, help prioritize the “wishes,” or clarify unknowns
• Preliminary Ideas – the more varied ideas you generate, the better your final solution will be.
  + The team should brainstorm to generate ideas
  + Make sure to preserve ALL the ideas in notes and sketches
  + Research existing or past designs
• Refinement
  + Choose the “better” ideas and create scaled drawings to determine the physical properties of the proposed solution
  + At the same time determine what the critical elements of each design will be.
•  Analysis – this is where “science” meets “design,” this is engineering
  + This usually involves a lot of calculations that are taught in technical courses, but it begins with basic physical principles that are taught in middle school science.
  + These calculations are actually “mathematical models.”  Computer simulations are based on mathematical models.  Physical models (like testable prototypes) are also very helpful.
  + Thing we're interested in at this point

Six Questions
Human Factors…is it user friendly?
Function…does it work?
Product Market…will it sell?
Physical Specifications…limitations?
Strength…will it last?
Economic Factors…is there a profit?

• Decision
  + There are many tools to help make the decision, but somehow the “best” design is identified.
  + Management should work very hard to ensure that the decision is unbiased and intelligent
  + Implement a mathematically based “Decision Matrix.”
• Implementation – production will require thorough working drawings, specifications, and instructions from the design team since it is generally different people that build the product form the people that designed it.