The Engineering Process

(Image Credit: Unsplash+)

June 21, 2023

Maryam Bala


11th Grade


Brooklyn Technical High School



Engineering is a science that has existed since the dawn of time. Our Primitive and Stone Age ancestors created Oldowan tool kits, kits that consisted of stone hammers and Acheulean handaxes, the oldest testament to modern-day Manufacturing Engineering. The Egyptian pyramids serve as the oldest testament to Civil Engineering. These beautiful yet seemingly outlandish pyramids demonstrate complex understandings of both structures and the logic behind them. Those who came before us in the world of STEM possessed no knowledge greater than ours. They knew of no magic for construction and could read from no all-knowing book. Rather, they used a process known as the engineering process, a process very similar to the one still in effect today. 


Similar to the Scientific Method, The field of engineering relies on a method of research. Engineers don't magically think of a solution to a complex problem, it’s a meticulous and complex plan. The engineering and design process is a series of steps that an engineer must follow to solve a problem. The engineering process isn’t a modern idea, it has existed among all engineers, past and present. The engineering process is simple, and second nature to all those that create or construct.


For an engineer to solve a problem, they must define it. They often ask themselves these questions: "What problems need to be solved?" "Do I have the knowledge and resources to solve this problem?" "Is there a solution, and, if so, how would my solution benefit the world?" This series of questions creates the framework for the rest of the engineers' design and building processes, as it enables them to solidify what they're trying to solve, as well as their overall goal. 

2. BRAINSTORM SOLUTIONS


Engineers often think of many solutions before they settle for just one. This process works best with more people. More ideas generated means that better solutions can be made, as there are more options to test out, as well as more ideas to draw from in the actual design process. 

3. RESEARCH IDEAS AND EXPLORE POSSIBILITIES


Engineers often research past projects, papers, and experiments pertaining to their chosen problem. This allows them to avoid certain mistakes and gain access to knowledge they currently don't have. This helps them not only narrow down their ideas but also makes their design process more efficient since they won't end up repeating past errors. 

4. ESTABLISH CONSTRAINTS


After proper research, engineers will have a refined set of potential solutions. For each solution, they will create a list of needs and constraints. These include objects such as materials, money, location, and natural resources. 

5. SELECT AN APPROACH


After creating a complete list of solutions - both realistic and with some reaches -  engineers will narrow it down to which solutions seem most realistic, and then find the best approach to designing their specific solutions. 

(Image Credit: istockphoto.com)

(Image Credit: istock)

6. DEVELOP A DESIGN PROPOSAL AND MAKE A MODEL


After determining their final solution, engineers still find ways to improve upon their design ideas and refine their solutions. They will then make a model that demonstrates how the final product will work. This is not meant to be a perfect process, it will include a lot of trial and error. The goal, however, is for the engineer to start making these mistakes now and learn from them so they can prove the success of their final design. 

7. TEST, EVALUATE, AND REFINE THE DESIGN


Engineers must constantly test and evaluate their prototypes to ensure they're working and weed out any potential flaws or errors, then fix them. As these tests occur, new materials and ideas will be created. This is how engineers refine their design until it’s "perfect."

8. CREATE THE FINAL SOLUTION AND SHARE


     Once all research is complete, and the final prototype correctly solves the solution, an engineer has officially created their final solution. It is their responsibility to share the news with others through reports, research papers, and presentations. This way, their research, trial-and-error, and design process can educate and benefit other engineers. At this stage, engineers can finally present their world-changing solutions. 

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