A set of steps that engineers follow to solve a problem is referred to as an engineering process. It is highly iterative and elements of the process could be repeated multiple times in the course of a single project. The specific framing and articulation of the steps iterated will vary.
The first step is researching. This involves locating information in order to determine needs and understanding the limitations. It is a crucial element of the engineering process, allowing engineers to discover the best solution for an issue.
Once researchers have enough data, they can begin brainstorming ideas to solve the issue. This can be done a number of ways, and is where engineering creativity truly thrives. This is also where ideas are analysed and compared. This could include simulation studies, constructing decision matrixes, or even creating prototypes for comparison.
In this stage students select one of their most creative ideas and come up with a plan for how to create it. They then build the prototype using the specified materials and then test it against their performance standards. Students may have to test their prototype and then revise it to ensure that it performs as expected.
This is a great method to teach the importance of problem-solving and iteration. Engineers are known to come up with a solution that they test and then come across a new problem. The process is repeated until the engineer has click for more info the solution that is satisfactory to their expectations.