A set of steps engineers follow to solve a challenge is called an engineering process. It is highly iterative, and certain aspects of the process can be repeated many times within one project. The steps that are repeated can be described and framed differently.
Research is the first step. This includes identifying requirements as well as locating information and understanding constraints. It is an essential part of the engineering process, allowing engineers to come up with the most effective solution for a problem.
After the researchers have gathered enough data and have begun brainstorming solutions to the problem. This can be done in a variety of ways, and is where engineering creativity truly thrives. This is the stage where possible solutions are evaluated and analyzed. This could include modeling studies, generating decision matrixes or even building prototypes for comparison.
In this stage, students choose the most appealing idea and develop a plan to create it. They build the prototype using the required materials and test it against their performance criteria. Students may need to test and modify their prototype to make sure it works according to the specifications.
This is a great way to demonstrate the importance of problem-solving and iteration. It is common for engineers to find the solution, then test it and then come up with a new problem visit that they need to address. The process is then repeated until the engineer has an answer that is in line with their expectations.
