Many engineers employ an organized design process in order to meet customers’ needs. This process can help to give the structure of a project and stimulates creativity. The objective raw data collected during the process can help reduce bias and aid in better decision-making. The process of engineering also instructs that setbacks and errors are valuable sources of information for future projects.
The definition of a problem is the first step in the engineering design process. Engineers need to be clear on what their product can do and why it is required. This step is critical for the rest of the engineering process.
After the problem has been identified, it is crucial to gather as much data regarding the solution to the need as you can. This can be accomplished by conducting research, asking questions that are crucial and brainstorming ideas. This is where engineering creativity really shines and where the most innovative solutions come about.
Engineers must identify possible solutions, analyze the pros and cons of each and choose the engineering process best. The solution must also be able of meeting the requirements of the project (e.g. materials, cost, time and space).
It is a good idea to build a prototype after selecting the most effective solution. Then it is possible to conduct tests to see if the product performs what it is supposed to. It is possible to shorten the development time of the entire project by identifying flaws at an early stage. This can save money later on when fixing problems.