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Informed Design as a Practical Problem Solving Approach

Abstract

The informed design process was developed as an analytical road map for students to follow when proceeding through an engineering design challenge. This practical problem solving format affords students the ability to refine the constraints and parameters of a design challenge, make the required design decisions and communicate their conclusions graphically via the creation of working industrial drawings, construct working prototypes, perform computational analysis, prepare laboratory reports, and present their conclusions.

In order for educators to provide the requisite skills and abilities that industry requires from graduates of post-secondary engineering technology programs, students must develop the ability to analyze and validate a myriad of considerations during the product design and development phase of a design challenge. This should not be limited to interpreting design requirements and customer specifications, but should also include exposure to applicable codes and standards, intended and unintended modes of usage, hazards of human and non-human origin, ethical concerns, and any internal or external influences that might impact the final product’s design. This can all be accomplished by having students follow the principles of the informed design cycle in conjunction with the expectation that students will use scientific and mathematical principles to derive design challenge solutions.

The informed design process provides an excellent opportunity for students to develop time management skills, conduct brainstorming sessions, and foster small group team based dynamics. These skills are required not only of future engineering technologists, but of anyone seeking employment in an ever-changing global community.

Introduction

Design has long been a central theme in engineering and engineering technology curricula. When asked, "what do engineers do?" the typical response is "they solve problems." In that context, design plays a huge role. In recent years, ABET has emphasized the importance of design1; and the engineering education community has risen to the challenge of finding creative ways to incorporate design into its programs at all levels.

The incorporation of design into academic programs is not limited, however, to post-secondary engineering and engineering technology. The International Technology Education Association (ITEA), with publication of its landmark Standards for Technological Literacy (STL)2, is encouraging the learning of design for all K-12 students. In fact, STL devotes an entire chapter to "Design" that outlines standards for students to develop an understanding of the attributes of design; of engineering design itself; and of the role of troubleshooting, research and development, invention and innovation, and experimentation in problem solving. The technology education community has, in turn, risen to the challenge of developing effective instructional resources for design at the K-12 level. An impressive example of this is Burghardt and Hacker's middle school textbook, Technology Education: Learning by Design3.

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Tomasi, C., & Weeks, M. (2006, June), Informed Design As A Practical Problem Solving Approach Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--55