Many engineers use an organized design process to address the demands of customers. This process can help to give an order to the project and encourages the use of creativity. The raw data objectively collected in the process can aid in reducing errors and lead to more accurate decision-making. The engineering process also helps to teach that setbacks and failures can be valuable sources of information for future projects.
Problem definition is the initial stage of the engineering design process. Engineers need to be clear on the purpose of their product and the reasons for its existence. This step is critical for the rest of the engineering process.
Once the issue is identified, it is crucial to gather as much knowledge regarding the solution as possible. This can be achieved by conducting a thorough research, asking important questions and thinking about ideas. This is where engineering creativity truly shines and where the most innovative solutions emerge.
Engineers must identify potential solutions and analyze their pros and cons before choosing the best. The solution must also be able of meeting the project’s requirements (e.g. cost, materials, time and space).
It is a good idea to develop a prototype following choosing the best solution. Then tests can be carried out to determine how well the product performs what it is supposed to do. It is possible to cut down the development time of the entire project by identifying problems in the early stages. This can also save money later on when fixing problems.
http://emjay-eng.com/steps-of-the-engineering-design-process