97.5k views
3 votes
Argue why the following scenario may NOT represent the best decision in the Solving the Problem phase of design engineering.

Situation: The team discovers that the materials needed to make a tablet durable and light at the same time are prohibitively expensive. Rather than use different materials, the team decides to eliminate the camera feature.

1 Answer

6 votes
Eliminating the camera feature may not represent the best decision in the Solving the Problem phase of design engineering for a number of reasons.

Firstly, the camera feature may be an important selling point for the tablet, and eliminating it could result in decreased sales and revenue. Customers may be willing to pay more for a tablet that includes a camera, and the lack of this feature may make the tablet less attractive compared to competitors.

Secondly, eliminating the camera feature may not solve the underlying problem of cost. The team may need to continue to use expensive materials to make the tablet durable and light, which could result in higher production costs and lower profit margins. In this case, the team would need to consider alternative solutions that address the cost issue without sacrificing important features.

Finally, the decision to eliminate the camera feature may not take into account the needs and preferences of the end user. Customers may expect a tablet to include a camera, and the lack of this feature could result in negative reviews and feedback. This could harm the reputation of the company and make it more difficult to sell future products.

Overall, while eliminating the camera feature may be a quick and easy solution to the problem of expensive materials, it may not represent the best decision in the Solving the Problem phase of design engineering. The team should consider alternative solutions that address the cost issue without sacrificing important features or compromising the needs and preferences of the end user.
User Stusmith
by
7.9k points