Lesson 3-2The Design ProcessFoundations of Technology

Standard 5Apply the Design Process

Clear TargetStudents will be able to understand and apply the design process to solve a problem, given available materials and constraints.

Problem Solving Engineers use the Engineering Design

Process to solve problems. There are many different variations, but this is

the Design Process that you will learn: Identify the problem Explore possible solutions Design your product Create your product Try out your product Make your product better Communicate your results

Step 1: Identify the Problem What is the problem? What constraints (limits) do you have? What are the specifications?

Step 2: Explore Possible Solutions Brainstorm!

Come up with as many solutions as possible No idea is too crazy No criticism Improve on existing ideas Research to identify and build upon existing

ideas. Quantity is important here Evaluate each idea and choose the best one

Step 3: Design Your Product What materials will you use? How will you manufacture it? Create working drawings Determine cost

Step 4: Create Your Product Build a prototype (working model)

Step 5: Try Out Your Product Test your prototype Does it meet your specifications? Does it do what it should?

Step 6: Make it Better Can you improve on your existing idea? Make modifications. If you made changes, re-test your

product. If you are finished, proceed to next step.

Step 7: Communicate Your Idea Modify working drawings to reflect the

finished product.

Key Points to Remember Design problems are seldom presented

in a clearly defined form. Your design needs to be continuously

checked and critiqued to see if it still suits your needs.

Risk analysis should be used to minimize unwanted side effect. Can your invention hurt anyone or

damage property?