Engineering Design Process TEKS

The Engineering Design Process (EDP) is a way of thinking that helps us learn and apply different concepts and skills together. It encourages us to solve problems creatively and learn from our mistakes. When we use the EDP, we bring ideas from different subjects and use design thinking to come up with a solution for a real problem. There are many models of the engineering design process, but they all have some key steps in common. 

Define the problem: 

• • The first step is to clearly understand what the problem is. Engineers identify what needs to be improved or created. For example, they might be asked to design a better backpack or come up with a solution to reduce pollution. This also includes the criteria and constraints of the situation.

Do research: 

• • Once the problem is defined, engineers gather information about similar things that already exist. They learn from previous designs, research papers, or by talking to experts. This helps them understand what has been done before and what can be improved.

Generate ideas: 

• • This is where engineers get creative and brainstorm different solutions. They come up with many ideas and think about how they might work. They can sketch, make lists, or use computer programs to visualize their ideas.

Choose the best solution: 

• • Engineers evaluate their ideas and choose the one that they believe will work best. They consider factors like cost, feasibility, safety, and how well it solves the problem. Sometimes they might create prototypes or models to test their ideas before making a final decision.

Create a plan: 

• • Once the solution is chosen, engineers make a plan. They break down the project into smaller tasks and set deadlines. They also gather the materials and tools they will need.

Build and test: 

• • This is the hands-on part of engineering. Engineers start building the prototype or the actual thing they designed. They follow their plan and work step by step. After building, they test their creation to see if it works as expected. They might need to make adjustments and improvements.

Evaluate and refine (iterate): 

• • Engineers analyze the test results and evaluate how well their creation is working. They compare it to the initial problem and the goals they set. They identify any issues or areas for improvement and make changes accordingly. This step might involve going back to previous steps and making modifications (iterations).

Communicate and share: 

• • Finally, engineers present their creation to others. They explain what they did, how it works, and why it's important. They might create reports, presentations, or even demonstrate their invention to get feedback and suggestions.