What is Engineering Design?
Engineering design is the intelligent and categorical process of generating and evaluating specific designs of different devices or processes (domestic or industrial). Engineering design is tailor made to suit or fulfill the desire and goals of the end user, while adhering to some set engineering standards. This means that engineering design encompasses several aspects that need to be taken into consideration while trying to reach the end objectives. The function of the system or device under consideration is very crucial. The set engineering standards differentiates engineering design from any other kind of design.
Engineering design is especially guided by the structure (form) - function relationship that must exist for any meaningful engineering process to occur (Little 7). The two entities are, however, very independent. Design incorporates taking into consideration the objectives of the system or process to solve an open ended and ill structured problem. Many challenges arise especially during the fabrication of such devices or systems. Engineering design is not limited to design and fabrication of hardware but it ventures into the world of software. The fact that a lot of precision is required means that sufficient studying and practical implementation must be accompanied by an adept set of skills.
Why should we follow a design process?
Engineering design is very important since it is a central part of the life of a product (Ullman 7). It acts as the missing link between a niche that has been identified and the targeted goals. A design process sets aside the specific and the logical sequence of events that should be adhered to in the manufacture of a product. This prevents unnecessary confusion that may arise. It also serves as an efficient way of documenting successful designs that may be used for future references. The design process enables accurate fabrication of hardware and software. Engineering design also enables any correction of errors to be made easily. This sets path for any redesigning that may then be required (Otto 9).
Works cited
Little, Dym. Engineering Design: Chapter 1. PDF file.
Otto, Wood. Journeys in Product Development: Chapter 1. PDF file.
Ullman. Why Study the Design Process: Chapter 1. PDF file.
