EST 200 : DESIGN AND ENGINEERING

MODULE 1
 Design
•Creating a plan or concept to solve a problem or meet a need, often focusing
on aesthetics and functionality.
•Example: Deciding the chair should be lightweight, modern-looking, and
comfortable to sit on.

Engineering
•Applying scientific and technical knowledge to develop and build solutions
that are practical and efficient.
•Example: Calculating the strength of materials (like wood or metal) to ensure
the chair can safely support weight.

Engineering Design
•Combining creativity and technical skills to create a functional, practical, and
feasible product.
•Example: Designing the chair’s structure, selecting materials, and deciding on
production methods to make it strong, lightweight, and cost-effective.
 DESIGN ENGINEERING

• Engineering design is a systematic, intelligent process in which engineers

generate, evaluate, and specify solutions for devices, systems, or processes whose
form(s) and function(s) achieve clients’ objectives and users’ needs while satisfying a
specified set of constraints.
ASPECTS OF DESIGN

Objective C onstraints

Design
Functions &
Form
Means
 (a). DESIGN OBJECTIVES

• A feature or behavior that we wish the design to have or exhibit

• It defining the requirements of a design
Some generic objectives are
• Toidentify the need of the user
• To research about the possibilities of the problem solving
• To formulate a working principle
• To reduce the cost
• To reduce the complexity
• To make eco-friendly material
EXAMPLE: OBJECTIVE OF A PORTABLE LADDER
• Ladder should be compact and portable
• It should be stable on smooth surfaces
• Should stand safely without support
• Can be used for household requirements
• Should be reasonably stiff and comfortable for users
• Must be safe and durable
• Should be relatively economical
• Should reduce space requirements while packing using detachable
parts

• The ladder should be marketable

OBJECTIVE TREE
• Depended
• Interconnected
• Hence can be arrangedin hierarchy
 ( b) . DESIG N C O N S T R A I N T S
Constraints Example
The ladder must support climbing safely and stably (e.g.,
Functional Constraints
hold 150 kg).
Overall Geometry The ladder should fold into a compact size for easy storage.
Kinematics Hinges should allow smooth folding without getting stuck.
Energy Requirement Lightweight materials make it easy to carry and set up.
Materials Used Aluminum alloy is used for durability and portability.
Control Systems A spring-loaded locking system ensures stability.
Safety Constraints Non-slip rubber feet and rungs prevent slipping and tipping.
High-quality rivets and corrosion-resistant coatings ensure
Quality Constraints
durability.
Manufacturing
Use standard extrusion techniques for aluminum parts.
Constraints
Time Constraints Design allows assembly in less than 2 hours in the factory.
Keep the cost under $100 to attract budget-conscious
Economical Constraints
customers.
Legal and Ethical Follow OSHA standards for ladder safety and use recyclable
Constraints materials.
 (c). DESIGN FUNCTIONS
Design functions are the tasks or behaviors expected from a design to achieve its goal.
These functions transform inputs into the desired outputs. Below are the key functions:
1.Research Function
Identifies the problem or need, works out the principles involved, and gathers necessary
data.
Example: Figuring out what type of ladder is needed and what features it must have.
2.Engineering Function
Focuses on creating the main product design, building 3D models, conceptualizing ideas,
and running simulations.
Example: Designing the ladder's structure and testing its stability using software.
3.Manufacturing Function
Involves producing the components, assembling them, calculating costs, and sourcing raw
materials.
Example: Producing aluminium frames and assembling the ladder.
4.Quality Control Function
Ensures the product is safe, meets design standards, and passes audits.
Example: Checking that the ladder can safely support the weight it is designed for.
5.Commercial Function
Addresses the cost of the product and related services.
Example: Setting an affordable price for the ladder and offering customer support.
 (d). DESIGN MEANS

• It refers to how a design performs or executes a specific

function.
• Eg: The function of a bicycle brake is to stop the wheel when
applying the brake lever utilizing frictional force between the
rim and brake pad.

• Eg: The function of a speaker is to produce

sound by means of electro magnetic induction

(e). DIFFERENT FORMS

It shows that the same function can be achieved in different shapes or

appearances.
 CLASSIFICATION OF DESIGN
(a). Based on Purpose
1. Adaptive Design
•Definition: Adjusting existing designs with minor changes to fit new needs. No advanced
skills are required for this.
•Examples:
•Elevators adapted for buildings of different heights.
•Washing machines modified for water-saving technology.

2. Development Design
•Definition: Improving an existing design significantly using advanced knowledge. The final
product is much better or works differently.
•Examples:
•Upgrading from manual to automatic car gearboxes.
•Turning old tube TVs into modern LCD or LED screens.
•Redesigning wired telephones into mobile phones.

3. New Design
•Definition: Creating something entirely new, requiring creativity and innovation. This is the
hardest type of design.
•Examples:
•Inventing the first car.
•Designing the first aeroplane.
•Developing the first digital camera.
(b). Based on Stages of Development
1. Conceptual Design
Definition: This is the initial stage of designing where ideas are generated to
solve a problem. It focuses on creating possible solutions and evaluating which
one works best.
Example: Designing a new electric scooter. At this stage, engineers think about
different scooter shapes, battery types, and motor sizes to decide the best overall
concept.
2. Detailed Design
Definition: This is the stage where the chosen concept is worked out in detail.
All dimensions, materials, and manufacturing methods are specified.
Example: For the electric scooter, engineers will finalize the battery capacity,
motor power, frame material, and even the size of screws and bolts used.
 In What Kinds of Environments Do Engineering Designers Work?
•1. Offices:
Designers often work in offices using computers for design software (like CAD)
to create and test their ideas.
• Example: An automotive engineer designing a new car model on a
computer.
•2. Laboratories:
Engineers test prototypes and materials to ensure they meet performance
requirements.
• Example: Testing the strength of a new airplane wing in a wind tunnel.
•3. Manufacturing Sites:
Designers collaborate with production teams to ensure the design is practical for
manufacturing.
• Example: Supervising how a machine part is being produced in a factory.
•4. Field Environments:
Sometimes, designers need to work in real-world settings to ensure the design
functions as intended.
• Example: Checking the performance of a solar panel installed on a
rooftop.
ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS
Step 1: Identify the Need or Problem. Define the issue you want to address.
Example: A city faces heavy traffic congestion, and a solution is needed to improve transportation
efficiency.
Step 2: Research the Need or Problem. Gather information to understand the problem better.
Example: Research existing traffic management systems, collect data on peak traffic hours, and
study commuter behavior.
Step 3: Develop Possible Solutions. Brainstorm and create multiple ideas that could address the
problem.
Example: Propose solutions like implementing a carpool system, building additional roads, or
introducing smart traffic lights.
Step 4: Select the Best Possible Solution(s). Evaluate all options and choose the most effective
and feasible one.
Example: Select the smart traffic light system because it’s cost-effective and leverages technology
for real-time traffic management.
Step 5: Construct a Prototype. Build a working model or simulation of the chosen solution.
Example: Develop a software prototype that simulates traffic lights responding to real-time traffic
data.
Step 6: Test and Evaluate the Solution(s). Assess how well the prototype performs and identify
areas for improvement.
Example: Test the smart traffic system in a small area to measure its impact on traffic flow and
response times.
Step 7: Communicate the Solution(s). Share your findings and propose implementation
strategies to stakeholders.
Example: Present a report to city officials detailing how the smart traffic lights reduced congestion
by 30%.
Step 8: Redesign. Make improvements based on feedback and test results, then refine the solution.
Example: Modify the system to handle unexpected traffic surges and retest in larger areas.
 Key Roles in the Design Process
1. Client: The client provides the requirements, objectives, and constraints for the design.
They also approve the final design and ensure it aligns with their vision or business goals.
Example: A company hires a designer to create a logo, specifying that it should be modern,
minimalist, and reflect their brand values.
2. Designer: The designer interprets the client's requirements and creates a solution that
fulfills both client goals and user needs. They balance creativity with practicality while
keeping constraints in mind.
•Example: The designer creates the app interface, ensuring it’s visually appealing for users
and aligned with the client's brand identity.
3. User: The user is the end-consumer of the design. Their needs, preferences, and comfort
guide the design decisions to ensure usability and satisfaction.
•Example: For a mobile app, the user expects easy navigation, attractive visuals, and smooth
functionality.
Causes of failures in most Engineering
Designs
 H OW ENGIN EERING DE SIGN IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DESIGNs

Aspect Engineering Design Industrial Design Graphic Design Architectural Design

Focuses on the
Solves technical problems by Creates visual content Designs buildings,
appearance,
Definition applying scientific and for communication, like structures, and physical
ergonomics, and
mathematical principles. logos and posters. spaces.
usability of products.
Functionality, efficiency, and Enhances user Clear communication Safe, functional, and
Objective performance of systems or experience and aesthetic through visual visually pleasing
products. appeal. elements. structures.
Practical solutions to
Aesthetic design and Creative visuals and Structural design and
Key Focus problems, reliability, and
user interaction. artistic composition. space planning.
innovation.
Sketching, CAD for Design software (e.g.,
CAD software, simulations, CAD tools for structural
Tools Used styling and 3D Adobe Photoshop,
mathematical models. layouts, 3D rendering.
rendering. Illustrator).
Consumer goods like Marketing materials,
Products like machines, Buildings, bridges, or
Output cars, furniture, or logos, and digital
devices, or systems. interior layouts.
appliances. designs.
Designing the shape Designing a modern
Designing a jet engine or a Creating a company’s
Examples and interface of a skyscraper or a
solar panel system. branding materials.
smartphone. residential house.

Physics, mathematics, Art, ergonomics, and Artistic skills, digital Structural engineering,
Knowledge
materials science, and manufacturing tools, and marketing material science, and
Required
engineering principles. knowledge. strategies. art.

Combines structural
Problem-Solving Analytical, based on science Balances functionality Creative and subjective
feasibility with aesthetic
Approach and data-driven testing. with aesthetics. interpretation of ideas.
considerations.
Difference between Scientific Method and Engineering design method
Scientific Method
• A step-by-step process used to study and understand natural phenomena. It involves
asking questions, making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments,
and analyzing results to draw conclusions. Example: A scientist tests how different
fertilizers affect plant growth by performing controlled experiments.
Engineering Design Method
• A structured approach to solving problems and creating useful products or systems. It
involves identifying a need, brainstorming solutions, designing, building prototypes,
testing, and improving the design. Example: An engineer designs a water filter, builds a
prototype, tests it for efficiency, and makes improvements to ensure it works well for
users. Engineering
The ScienScientific Method tific
design method
Method
State your question Define the problem
Do background research Do background research
Formulate your hypothesis,
Specify requirements
identify variables
Design experiment, establish Create alternative solutions,
procedure choose the best one and
develop it
Test your hypothesis by doing an
Build a prototype
experiment
Analyze your results and
Test and redesign as necessary
draw conclusions
Communicate results Communicate results
SCIENTIFIC METHOD ENGINEERING DESIGN
METHOD
Why engineering design thinking is said to b a non-linear process.
Engineering design thinking is considered a non-linear process because it
involves iterative and flexible stages rather than following a strictly sequential
path. Here's why:
1.Iteration and Refinement: Designers frequently revisit previous stages
based on new insights, testing outcomes, or changing requirements. For
example, prototyping might reveal flaws that require re-defining the problem
or ideating new solutions.
2.Dynamic Problem Understanding: Research and feedback can lead to
redefining goals, which might require going back to the empathy or ideation
phases.
3.Parallel Activities: Different stages often occur simultaneously rather than
consecutively. For instance, ideation and prototyping can overlap as ideas are
tested and refined.
4.Feedback Loops: Continuous user feedback creates loops where
adjustments are made to earlier phases, ensuring the final solution meets user
needs effectively.
5.Adaptability to Complexity: Complex engineering problems require
flexibility to explore multiple pathways, making the process inherently non-
linear.
Identifying & detailing customer requirements

Setting design objectives

Identifying constraints

Establishing functions

Generating design alternatives

Choosing the best feasible design

1. Identifying & Detailing Customer Requirements
Understand what the customer needs or expects from the design.
•Example: A customer wants a lightweight, foldable bicycle for easy travel.

2. Setting Design Objectives

Define what the design should achieve, including goals and key performance indicators.
•Example: The foldable bicycle should weigh less than 10 kg and be easy to carry.

3. Identifying Constraints
Determine limitations like budget, materials, time, or technical restrictions.
•Example: The budget for the foldable bicycle design is $200, and it must use eco-friendly materials.

4. Establishing Functions
Specify what the design must do to meet customer requirements and objectives.
•Example: The bicycle must fold within 30 seconds and support a rider's weight up to 100 kg.

5. Generating Design Alternatives

Brainstorm and create multiple possible designs or approaches to solve the problem.
•Example: Explore different folding mechanisms like hinge-based or telescopic designs.

6. Choosing the Best Feasible Design

Evaluate all design alternatives and select the one that best meets the requirements and constraints.
•Example: Select a lightweight aluminum hinge-based design for the bicycle, as it is cost-effective
and meets all objectives.
DESIGN PROCESS OF A WRIST WATCH
 ENGINEERING AN D DESIGN VOCABULARY
• Accuracy :The quality of being near to the true or desiredvalue
• Analysis : Breaking an object or process into smaller parts to examine or
evaluate systematically
• Argument :A persuasive defense for an explanation or solution
based on evidence and reasoning

• Assessment :An evaluation of the cost,quality and/or ability of

someone or something

• Causation :The relationship between cause and effect

• Claim :A response made to a question and in the process of answering that question

• Communicate :To share information orally, in written form and/or graphically through various
forms of media
ENGINEERING A N D DESIGN VOCABULARY
• Constraints :A limitation or condition that must be satisfied by
a design, including materials, cost,size, labor, etc.

• Control :A variable that is kept the same across all

tests for use as the comparison standard

• Correlation : A predictive dependent relationship between variables that may be

positive or negative. Changing a variable creates a corresponding change in another but
does not imply causation.
• Criteria :Attributes of a design that can be measured; a set
of standards upon which a decision is based

• Design (v.) :To generate or to propose a possible solution; to

create,fashion, execute, or construct

• Diagram (n.) :A visual representationof data or information

ENGINEERING A N D DESIGN VOCABULARY

• Effectiveness : Adetermination of how well a solution meets the criteria

• Efficiency :The measurable relationship between a solution and the
amount of resources it requires
• Error :The difference between a measured value and its true or accepted
value; important
• Evaluate :To determine significance
• Evidence : Data used to support aclaim
• Failure :The inability of a device, process,or system to perform a required
function
• Function :A specific task that a system or part of a system performs or is
intended to perform
 ENGINEERING AN D DESIGN VOCABULARY

• Limit :The minimum or maximum permissible value

• Model : A diagram, replica, mathematical representation, analogy, or computer
simulation used to analyze a system for condition flaws, test a solution,
visualize or refine a design, and/or communicate design features
• Observation :To become aware of an occurrence using the senses
• Plan (n.) :A systematic approach to solving a problem
• Problem :A situation to be changed; a question raised for inquiry, consideration,
or solution
• Process :A series of steps that form a pathway to a solution
• Prototype :A model that tests design performance and more