The Five step process of the engineering design process is :
- Define the problem
- Research
- Generate solutions
- Select a solution
- Test and Evaluate
Step-by-step explanation:
There are several steps to the engineering design process :
- Define the problem : In order to generate a solution to the problem, we need to clearly define the problem. The initial problem may be quite vague in the mind of the engineer. It may change as more and more information about the problem becomes known.
- Research : What solutions already exist for the problems? How effective/ineffective are the current solutions to the problem? Doing good research early can save you time and effort later.
- Generate solutions : With the information at your disposal solutions to the problem need identifying. This is done in a number of ways: brainstorming ideas or conversing with other engineers.
- Select a solution : These solutions now need analysis to find the best one. This could involve simulation studies of the solutions or generating a decision matrix where attributes including cost and effectiveness are numerically scored and the results compared. This step is important, not just to solve the problem but so your solution can be justified to other engineers or management.
- Test and evaluate : After identifying the best solution, it needs testing. This can involve pilot plant tests on prototype pieces of equipment or products. Tests run on these prototypes allow you to analyse the solution, finding out how effective or ineffective it really is. This step helps a lot to identify the advantages and disadvantages of your solution and whether to use it. If tests on the prototype are positive, the solution can then be implemented.