Introduction to Engineering Design and Problem Solving Part 1

Source: UNC Charlotte William States Lee College of Engineering

The Scientific Method

Scientific Method Flowchart

The NASA SciFiles

In my view this is not a good depiction of the scientific method but it does cross
over to the engineering method quite nicely.

What is wrong with this picture?

From the Scientific to the Engineering Method

Scientific Method
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Define/Identify the Problem

Form a Hypothesis
Make Observations or Test Hypothesis and Perform Experiments
Organize and Analyze Data
Do Experiments and Observations Support Hypothesis?
o If No, Perform New Experiments and Repeat Step 3
6. Draw Conclusions
7. Communicate Results

Scientific Engineering Method

1. Define/Identify the Problem
1b. Define the Problem by gathering needed Information and documenting
Requirements
To be a requirement by definition it must be quantitative, verifiable, and
realizable!
For example Go to the Moon is a requirement; End Poverty is not.
2. Form a Hypothesis Creative Design Solution(s)
2b. Overcome Obstacles to Creative Thinking
3. Make Observations Test Hypothesis Hardware and/or Software Model(s)
and Perform Experiments
4. Organize and Analyze Data
5. Do Experiments and Observations Support Hypothesis meet Design
Requirements?
If No, Perform New Experiments and Repeat Step 3 Process
6. Draw Conclusions Select a preferred design
7. Communicate Results
Preparing reports, plans, and specifications. (Project Planning)
8. Implementing the design. (Project Implementation)
This final step, not part of the scientific method, is one of the differences
between science and engineering

Engineering Method
1. Identify the Problem
1b. Define the Problem by gathering needed Information and
documenting Requirements
To be a requirement by definition it must be quantitative,
verifiable, and realizable!
For example Go to the Moon is a requirement; End Poverty
is not.
2. Form Creative Design Solution(s)
2b. Overcome Obstacles to Creative Thinking
3. Make Hardware and/or Software Model(s) and Perform
Experiments
4. Organize and Analyze Data
5. Do Experiments and Observations meet Design Requirements?
If No, Repeat Process
6. Select a preferred design
7. Communicate Results
Preparing reports, plans, and specifications. (Project Planning)
8. Implementing the design. (Project Implementation)

Engineering Method - Continued