The engineering process is a series of steps engineers follow to solve an issue. This involves the identification of an objective setting constraints, designing, building, and testing. This is an important part of any project at TWI and it assists us in ensuring that our projects have high performance and safety standards. This is particularly crucial for New York City project as they have to meet the strictest requirements.
In this stage students research the issue they’re facing in order to determine what the issue official site is and gather data. It’s a flexible, student-centered approach that reorients the classroom away from the traditional science curriculum.
At this stage, students brainstorm ideas on how to solve the issue. This can be accomplished using software, whiteboard writing or discussions. Some ideas might not be successful, but that’s OK because it gives them the chance to try different ideas to find the most effective solution.
After studying the findings of their research and brainstorming, the team decides on a develop and build. This can be done on paper, using CAD software or via a physical or virtual prototype. This is a great step for students as they can design a tangible prototype that will let them test their ideas.
Here is where engineers need to be mindful because they are bound by limitations such as time and cost, tools, and resources. Engineers also have to be aware that their solutions should be safe and effective so they can be used in the real world.