Engineering design process & Engineering design thinking

 

The engineering design process is a systematic and iterative approach used by engineers to develop solutions to problems. It involves a series of steps and considerations that guide the creation of products, systems, or processes. While variations exist, the general engineering design process typically includes the following stages:

 

Identify the Problem or Need:

The process begins with clearly defining the problem or need that the engineering design aims to address. This involves understanding the requirements, constraints, and goals of the project.

 

Research and Gather Information:

Engineers gather relevant information, conduct research, and explore existing solutions to gain insights into the problem. This phase may involve studying similar projects, understanding relevant technologies, and considering environmental or safety factors.

 

Define Design Criteria and Constraints:

Specific criteria and constraints are established to guide the design process. Design criteria outline the features and performance requirements the solution must meet, while constraints set limitations on factors such as budget, time, materials, and regulations.

 

Brainstorming and Generating Ideas:

Engineers engage in creative thinking to generate a variety of potential solutions. Brainstorming sessions and collaborative discussions are common during this phase, encouraging a diverse range of ideas.

 

Evaluate and Select a Solution:

The proposed ideas are evaluated against the established criteria, and the most promising solution is selected. Engineers consider factors such as feasibility, effectiveness, cost, and potential impact.

 

Develop Detailed Designs:

With a chosen solution, engineers move on to creating detailed designs. This involves specifying dimensions, materials, and other technical details necessary for implementation. CAD (Computer-Aided Design) tools may be used to create digital representations.

 

Build Prototypes or Models:

Engineers often create physical prototypes or models to test and validate their designs. Prototyping allows for the identification of potential issues, improvements, and refinements before full-scale production.

 

Test and Evaluate:

The designed solution is tested against the defined criteria. This phase may involve laboratory testing, simulations, or field trials. Engineers collect data, analyze performance, and assess whether the solution meets the specified requirements.

 

Iterate and Redesign:

Based on the testing results, engineers may need to iterate and make adjustments to the design. This iterative process continues until a satisfactory solution is achieved, addressing any identified issues.

 

Communicate Results:

Engineers communicate their findings and the final design solution to stakeholders, clients, or the broader community. This may involve documentation, presentations, or reports detailing the design process, outcomes, and recommendations.

 

Implement and Deploy:

Once the final design is approved, engineers move to the implementation phase, where the solution is produced or deployed. This could involve manufacturing, construction, or the integration of systems.

 

Monitor and Maintain:

Engineers monitor the performance of the implemented solution over time. Regular maintenance and updates may be required to ensure ongoing functionality and address any issues that arise.

 

 

The engineering design process is dynamic and may involve revisiting previous stages as new information becomes available or as project requirements evolve. It is a structured yet flexible framework that allows engineers to approach problem-solving systematically.

 

 

 

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EDT refers to the cognitive strategies and mental attitudes that are exerted in the process of carrying out the design. It's not just about taking steps, it's the 'muscle of thinking' that thinks about "why should we solve this problem?" and "how should we approach it more creatively?"

 

Engineering design thinking refers to the mindset and approach that engineers adopt when engaging in the design process. It emphasizes a holistic and creative problem-solving methodology that goes beyond technical solutions to consider human needs, societal impacts, and the broader context of the problem. Engineering design thinking often draws inspiration from the broader concept of design thinking, which is a problem-solving approach used in various disciplines.

 

Key aspects of engineering design thinking include:

 

User-Centered Approach:

Design thinking places a strong emphasis on understanding the needs and perspectives of end-users. In engineering design, this means considering the experiences, preferences, and requirements of the individuals who will interact with the designed solution.

 

Empathy:

Engineers practicing design thinking cultivate empathy to better understand the challenges and aspirations of the people for whom they are designing solutions. By putting themselves in the users' shoes, engineers can develop more user-friendly and effective designs.

 

Iterative Process:

Design thinking embraces an iterative process where ideas are continuously refined through prototyping, testing, and feedback. This approach allows engineers to learn from failures, make improvements, and arrive at more innovative and robust solutions.

 

Holistic Problem Framing:

Rather than focusing solely on technical specifications, design thinking encourages engineers to frame problems in a broader context. This includes considering social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors that may influence the design and implementation of solutions.

 

Collaboration and Multidisciplinary Teams:

Design thinking often involves collaborative, multidisciplinary teams that bring together individuals with diverse skills and perspectives. Engineers work alongside professionals from other fields to foster creative ideation and problem-solving

 

Open-Mindedness and Creativity:

Design thinking often involves collaborative, multidisciplinary teams that bring together individuals with diverse skills and perspectives. Engineers work alongside professionals from other fields to foster creative ideation and problem-solving.

 

Prototyping and Testing:

Engineers engage in rapid prototyping to visualize and test their ideas quickly. This hands-on approach allows them to gather valuable feedback and make informed decisions about design refinements.

 

Ethical Considerations:

Ethical considerations are integral to engineering design thinking. Engineers are encouraged to think about the potential social and ethical impacts of their designs, considering factors such as inclusivity, accessibility, and environmental sustainability.

 

Human-Centered Design Principles:

Human-centered design principles, such as those outlined in the Stanford d.school's design thinking framework, often influence engineering design thinking. These principles include empathy, define, ideate, prototype, test, and iterate.

 

Solution Implementation:

Engineering design thinking extends beyond ideation and prototyping to the implementation phase. Engineers actively participate in bringing their designs to life, considering factors like feasibility, scalability, and ease of implementation.

 

By embracing engineering design thinking, engineers enhance their ability to tackle complex problems creatively, consider diverse perspectives, and deliver solutions that not only meet technical requirements but also address the broader needs and contexts of the users and stakeholders.

 

 

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구분	공학 설계 과정 (Process)	공학 설계 사고 (Thinking)
성격	행위의 순서 (How to do)	행위의 기저 (How to think)
형태	명시적인 단계와 매뉴얼	내면화된 인지 전략과 가치관
초점	효율적인 제품 구현 및 문제 해결	문제의 본질 파악 및 창의적 대안 생성
비유	악보를 보고 연주하는 행위	음악적 원리를 이해하고 즉흥 연주하는 능력

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[1] Dym, C. L., Agogino, A. M., Eris, O., Frey, D. D., & Leifer, L. J. (2005). Engineering design thinking, teaching, and learning. Journal of engineering education, 94(1), 103-120.

-> 설계를 '질의의 과정(inquiry)'로 보고, 수렴적 사고와 확산적 사고의 반복, 시스템 사고 등을 강조하며 EDT를 정의.

 

[2] Brown, T. (2008). Design thinking. Harvard business review, 86(6), 84.

->사용자 공감과 프로토타이핑을 통한 사고과정 다룸.

 

[3] Atman, C. J., Adams, R. S., Cardella, M. E., Turns, J., Mosborg, S., & Saleem, J. (2007). Engineering design processes: A comparison of students and expert practitioners. Journal of engineering education, 96(4), 359-379.

-> 전문가와 학생이 설계 과정을 어떻게 다르게 밟아 나가는지 비교.

 

[4] Greene, M., Gonzalez, R., Papalambros, P., & McGowan, A. M. (2017). Design thinking vs. systems thinking for engineering design: What’s the difference?. In DS 87-2 Proceedings of the 21st International Conference on Engineering Design (ICED 17) Vol 2: Design Processes, Design Organisation and Management, Vancouver, Canada, 21-25.08. 2017 (pp. 467-476).

-> 설계 사고와 시스템 공학적 접근의 역사적 배경과 가치관 차이 분석.