EDC 2011 Winter Quarter Syllabus

Engineering Design and Communication

Coordinators:
EDC Communications Coordinator: Prof. Penny Hirsch, phirsch@northwestern.edu
EDC Engineering Coordinator: Prof. Bruce Ankenman, ankenman@northwestern.edu

Section Instructors:
Section 1: Prof. Jeanne Herrick (Comm.) & Prof. Joe Holtgreive (Eng)
Section 2: Prof. Barbara Shwom (Comm.) & Prof. John Lake (Eng)
Section 3: Prof. Kathleen Carmichael (Comm.) & Prof. Shannon Ford (Eng)
Section 4: Prof. Leslie Fischer (Comm.) & Prof. Paul Specht (Eng)
Section 5: Prof. John Bishop & Prof. David Sabo (Eng)
Section 6: Prof. Lisa Del Torto (Comm.) & Prof. Mark Bourgeois (Eng)
Section 7: Prof. Kathleen Carmichael (Comm.) & Prof. Mike Prisco (Eng)
Section 8: Prof. Michelle Greenberg (Comm.) & Prof. John Lake (Eng)
Section 9: Prof. Charles Yarnoff (Comm.) & Prof. Lisa Gandy (Eng)
Section 10: Prof. Leslie Fischer (Comm.) & Prof. Wang Bao (Eng)
Section 11: Prof. John Anderson (Comm.) & Prof. Yan Pan (Eng)
Section 12: Prof. Kathleen Carmichael (Comm.) & Prof. Greg Olson (Eng)
Section 13: Prof. Michelle Greenberg (Comm.) & Prof. John Lake (Eng)
Section 14: Prof. Charles Yarnoff (Comm.) & Prof. Bruce Ankenman (Eng)
Section 15: Prof. John Anderson (Comm.) & Prof. Michael Jewett (Eng)
Section 16: Prof. Jeanne Herrick (Comm.) & Prof. John Lake (Eng)
Section 17: Prof. Penny Hirsch (Comm.) & Prof. Steve Carr (Eng)
Section 18: Prof. Lisa Del Torto (Comm.) & Prof. Joe Holtgreive (Eng)

Shop Instructors:
Steve Jacobson, s-jacobson@northwestern.edu
Scott Simpson, scott-simpson@northwestern.edu
Bob Taglia, r-taglia@northwestern.edu

Project and Classroom Coordinator:

Phillip Jacob, pjacob@northwestern.edu

Technology Coordinator:
Prof. John Anderson, jca@northwestern.edu

Teaching Assistant:
Howard Lee <howardlee2009@u.northwestern.edu>

Required texts
1. Engineering Design and Communication: Principles and Practice (2010 edition), C.
Yarnoff, et al. Available at Quartet Copies (825 Clark St.)
2. Graphics Concepts, Second Edition, R. Lueptow. Available at Norris Center Bookstore
3. Graphics Supplement, P. Specht. Available on Blackboard
4. Excerpt from The Design of Everyday Things, D. Norman, Available on Blackboard

Locations
x Lectures take place on Mondays at 12PM or 4 PM in LR3.
x Sections meet twice a week, TuTh or WF in the Ford Design Center in Classrooms
G201, G205, or G211.

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EDC 2011 Winter Quarter Syllabus
Engineering Design and Communication

Assignments and Grading:

Each student will receive grades for both team and individual activities/deliverables. This
document summarizes what is expected, and details how much each component counts toward
the final grade. See the EDC textbook and supplementary assignment sheets for detailed
guidelines regarding specific assignments. If you have questions, talk to your section
instructors.

Team Assignments & Evaluation (55%)

In certain circumstances, team members may get different amounts of credit for these
assignments. This could occur if the faculty observe that not all members of the team are
contributing equally.

Apollo XIII or Junkyard Wars (5%)

This one-week project at the beginning of EDC features many elements of real-world design:
background research; concept generation; testing and refinement; writing, editing and revising;
and working in a team.

Team Process – Rehabilitation Engineering Project (20%)

Each team will demonstrate its understanding of teamwork, design, and communication through
the process it follows:
Project management
An “A” in project management means that the team has done excellent work in:
x Scheduling, coordinating, and completing project tasks to meet deadlines and keep all
team members involved
x Communicating with each other, instructors, and clients (see p. 4)
x Following the design process in a thoughtful and thorough way
x Documenting work thoroughly in reports, project notebook, and project definition
Draft Sections of Final Report
An “A” for draft sections of the final report means that the team consistently produces drafts
that:
x Are submitted complete and on-time
x Follow the guidelines in the textbook
x Are well-edited and formatted (according to textbook guidelines)
x Provide a thoughtful summary of the team’s design work
x Address issues raised by instructors

Final Deliverables – Rehabilitation Engineering Project (30%)

The team’s design will be communicated and assessed via three major deliverables which are
due at the end of the course:
Functioning prototype
An “A” quality prototype will be a physical embodiment of the design concept that demonstrates
functionality, usability and appearance. It will be creative, built with care, and reasonably

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Engineering Design and Communication
complete, not missing important components. To receive any credit for the prototype, it must be
delivered to the designated client-pickup area (This area will be set up during the project fair.).
Final report
An “A” quality final report will allow future teams to pick this project up where you left off, and to
advance it. The report should stand on its own as a source of information about the project:
readers should be able to understand the project even if they do not have access to prototype
and are unable to ask the design team questions. Your report will have several sections that you
will draft over the course of the quarter. See Chapter 18 of the textbook.
Poster presentation
The first quarter of EDC culminates in a poster fair to which the clients and judges are invited.
Your instructors will grade both the poster and the team’s accompanying presentation. An “A”
quality poster will not only describe the team’s concept, but also articulate its feature and
benefits. An A” quality presentation is one in which the team explains the design clearly and
persuasively, and answers questions articulately.

Individual Assignments & Evaluation (45%)

Individual essay (10%)
The essay assignment serves two purposes. First, it requires each student to work on their
writing individually, with coaching and advice from the communications instructor. Second, the
assignment reinforces the design education goals of the course by requiring each to think about
the principles introduced in EDC in relation to a broader context - other products, systems, or
perspectives.
Graphics exercises (10%)
Graphical communication is essential for any design professional. Graphics assignments are
intended to develop basic skills for using drawing during the design process. The objective is to
develop fluency in drawing so that each student can quickly record and communicate visual
ideas – this requires practice and thoughtful execution.
Quizzes (10%)
The quizzes cover assigned reading as well as material covered in lecture and section
meetings. Six quizzes will be administered on Fridays in weekly sections. A graphics quiz will
be administered during the Monday lecture time in Week 7. The lowest grade for the in-section
quizzes will be dropped, while the Week 7 graphics quiz grade will be given twice the weight of
an in-section quiz grade.
Class contribution (5%)
Each student is expected to attend class (lecture and discussion), be punctual, participate in
class discussion, and complete the shop training.
Team contribution (10%)
Each student is expected to be an active participant on their team, both in and out of class, and
to complete team assessments in a timely, thoughtful manner.

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Engineering Design and Communication
Key Expectations:
Expectations for team meetings and work allocation
The practice of planning work and then reviewing how it was completed will help you become
more realistic in planning - and see potential gaps in teamwork. It will also help instructors
assign teamwork grades at the end of the quarter.

x Teams should meet at least once per week outside of class and post agendas and
minutes of these meetings.
x Starting in Week 4, each team will submit a RAM chart or its equivalent at least every
other week (see Chapter 14 of the textbook).

Expectations for graphics homework

Here are the criteria your instructors will use to evaluate drawings and other graphical
communication, both in the short graphics assignments and in graphics included in reports and
other documents.
Key Criteria for drawings
x Use of construction lines
x Final lines bold and straight
x Parallel lines parallel
x Vertical lines vertical
x Proportions correct
x Ellipses in construction boxes
x Correct distinction and use of oblique, isometric and orthographic drawings
x Views positioned and aligned correctly
Style
EDC is not an art class. It is, however, an engineering communication class. Relevant
characteristics include
x Engineering: accuracy, precision, attention to detail, neatness
x Communication: clarity, ease of interpretation
If graphics assignments look like they were done 5 minutes before (or during) class, it is
unrealistic to expect a good grade.

Expectations for client communication

Teams should conduct most client communication by email so there is a written record of the
conversation. To manage the number of emails that clients receive from teams, the engineering
instructor will serve as gatekeeper for all email communication to and from the client.
x Write the email as though you were directing it to the client, but send it to your instructors.
Your engineering instructor will consolidate teams’ emails as needed and forward them to
the client.
x Identify your team by section and team number on the subject line and in the first paragraph.
x Schedule telephone calls to the client in advance through email sent by your engineering
instructor.
x Summarize the content of any telephone conversations with the client in an email to your
instructors.

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EDC 2011 Winter Quarter Syllabus
Engineering Design and Communication

Week Class Preparation In-class Focus

All reading, homework and project deliverables are due
at the beginning of class unless otherwise noted.

1.0 Dean Julio Ottino: Whole-brain engineering: Traversing art, science and technology
1/3/11 Also view EDC introduction online and post Personal Information Form

1.1 Reading Apollo XIII or Junkyard Wars

Tu,W x Apollo XIII or Junkyard Wars Case before class. Bring case
packet to class.
x EDC Textbook: Ch 1 (Introduction)

Homework
x View the EDC Intro
x Complete Depot tutorial
x Post Personal Information Form (PIF) by Monday (1/3/11) so
faculty can see them before your first session.

1.2 Reading Apollo XIII or Junkyard Wars

Th,F EDC textbook: Chs 12 (Creating a High Performance Team), 14
(Conducting Meetings), 18 (Written and Oral Communication),
and 22 (instructions)

Homework
Sketches for Apollo or sketches and instructions for Junkyard
Wars team (see exercise packet for details)

2.0 Dr. Elliot Roth, RIC and Universal Design

1/10/11

2.1 Sign up for shop training Wrap up Apollo XIII or Junkyard

Tu,W Wars
Reading
EDC textbook: Ch 2 (Defining and Researching the Problem) Discuss: Team charter, research
topics and technique
Homework
Apollo or Junkyard Wars instructions – one per team (see
exercise packet for details)

Project deliverables
Draft of team charter
*If participating in Leadership Center Teamwork Program:
Teamwork Exercise 1: Steps 1-4A are due.

*Use the numbers to figure out which day an activity takes place.
Lectures (1.0, 2.0, 3.0, etc.) take place on Mondays at 12:00 or 4:00 in Tech LR3.
Sections (1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, etc.) meet twice a week, TuTh or WF in the Ford Design Center.

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EDC 2011 Winter Quarter Syllabus
Engineering Design and Communication
2.2 Reading Quiz #1: Dr. Roth’s lecture and
Th,F EDC textbook: Ch 3 (Project Definition), 15 (Project EDC textbook Chs 1, 2, 3, 12, 14,
Notebook), 16 (Writing as a Team) 18, and 22

Project deliverables Discuss: Research findings,

Draft of client interview questionnaire – post revision to Depot Mission statement; strategies for
by Monday, (10/04/10) at 12:00 noon conducting an effective client
Completed Team charter interview

User observation scheduling

Homework
Final Apollo XIII or junkyard wars instructions and reflections
(see exercise packet for details)

3.0 MLK Day: Lecture Online: Professor Elmer Lewis, Graphics

1/17/11 Client meetings this week: M, Tu, W

3.1 Reading Faculty and students visit

Tu,W EDC textbook: Chs, 17 (Project Scheduling), 19 (Client shop for shop training
Communication), 20 (Email) 24 (Final Report)
Design of Everyday Things (excerpt online) session (60 minutes)

Project deliverables
Client interview appendix

3.2 Reading Quiz #2: EDC textbook Chs 13,

Th,F EDC textbook: Chs 13 (Leadership and Conflict), 26 17, 19, 20, 24, 26, 29
(Documenting Sources), and 29 (Essays)
Signed Student/Client Understandings Form – scanned & posted Teams present update on client
to Depot in Final Deliverables Folder meetings
Graphics Concepts: Chs 2, 3
Discuss: user observation
Homework: plans
Graphics Exercise 1
Team Assessment– fill out online form linked from Blackboard
under EDC Documents. Complete both Process Check and
Peer Review.

Project deliverables
User observation plan

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EDC 2011 Winter Quarter Syllabus
Engineering Design and Communication
Dr. Amy Schwartz, Research in Product Development
4.0 1/24/11 Also view online: Professor Don Norman, Human Centered Product Design
User observations this week!
4.1 Reading Group brainstorming
Tu, W EDC textbook: Chs 4 (First section - Brainstorming), 21 (Visual
Communication)

Project deliverables
Mission Statement
Brainstorming lists – post to Depot by end of day
References page and appendix on secondary research for final
report

Individual writing
Pre-writing (potential topics for essay) due

4.2 Reading Quiz #3: Professor Norman’s and

Th, F EDC Textbook: Ch 25 (Revising) Amy Schwartz’s lecture and
Graphics Supplement EDC textbook and Chs 4
(brainstorming section), 21
Homework:
Graphics Exercise 2 Discuss findings from user
observations; revise mission
Project deliverables statement in light of findings,
Appendix on client meeting for final report begin constraints, and user
Appendix on user observation findings for final report requirements

x Update project folder for instructor review

5.0 1/31/11 Professor John Lake, Selecting & Mocking Up Alternatives

5.1 Reading Faculty-led mockup

Tu,W EDC Textbook: Ch 4 (second half) discussion; teams work on
Review compiled/clustered brainstorm list
alternatives matrix
Project deliverables
Project definition v1 (2 copies)

Individual writing
Draft of essay due (in CMS SafeAssignment--before class)

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EDC 2011 Winter Quarter Syllabus
Engineering Design and Communication
5.2 Reading Quiz #4: John Lake’s lecture and
Th,F Graphics Concepts: Chs 2, 3 EDC textbook Chs 4,21, 25

Homework Team Meetings

Graphics Exercise 3 x Each team will meet with the
Team Assessment– fill out online form linked from Blackboard instructors in the designated
under EDC Documents. Complete both Process Check and breakout rooms for
Peer Review. approximately 20 minutes.
*If participating in Leadership Center Teamwork Program: Meetings not completed in
Team Evaluation Worksheet: Weeks 1-5 is due. 5.2 will be completed in 6.1.
x Start discussion of the final
Project deliverables deliverable (proof of concept
Alternatives matrix or working prototype?)
Mock-up sheets including:
Mockup plans (at least 3 different options)—should include Work on concept
detailed sketches with appropriate levels of detail (e.g. evaluation; mock-up
dimensions) and lists of materials you expect to use for planning
your mockups
List of questions you expect each mockup to answer
(consider both user AND performance testing)

Early mockups (if you have them)

RAM chart for the next two weeks

6.0
Mr. Steve Jacobson, Materials for Prototyping
2/7/11

6.1 Homework Work on mockups and user test

Tu, W Draft of User and Performance Testing guides guides
Mockup materials for in-class work
Draft of expenses for budget spreadsheet

6.2 Reading Quiz #5: Steve Jacobson’s

Th, F Graphics Concepts: Ch 4 lecture, safety checklist in shop,
Read EDC Textbook: Chs 5 (User and Performance Testing), 6 and EDC textbook Chs 5, 6
(Reporting on Testing)
Practice user testing; finish
Homework mockups
Graphics Exercise 4

Project deliverables
Revised User and Performance Testing guides

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EDC 2011 Winter Quarter Syllabus
Engineering Design and Communication

7.0 Graphics Quiz

2/14/11 User testing this week!
7.1 Project deliverables Conduct user testing and
Tu, W Project definition v2 performance testing
Updated budget spreadsheet

7.2 Reading Quiz #6: EDC textbook Chs 7, 9

Th,F EDC Textbook: Chs 7 (Deciding on Design Concept), 9
(Design Reviews); review Ch 24 (Final Report) Synthesis of test results;
design reviews
Project deliverables
Appendices on mockups, and user testing and performance
testing results for final report
x Updated project folder for instructor review

8.0
Professor Bruce Ankenman, Intellectual Property for EDC
2/21/11

8.1 Project deliverables Teams conduct Design

Tu, W Updated mockup or prototype of the selected design & support Review
materials for Design Review, including questionnaire for
reviewers
After your team’’s Design Review, post Design Review summary
to Depot by end of day

8.2 Reading Teams conduct Design

Th, F EDC Textbook: Ch 28 (Poster Presentations) Review

Work on prototypes
Individual writing
Final draft of Individual Essay due (post to CMS through Safe
Assignment before class)

Project deliverables
Latest mockups & support materials for Design Review,
including questionnaire for reviewers
After your team’’s Design Review, post Design Review summary
to Depot by end of day

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EDC 2011 Winter Quarter Syllabus
Engineering Design and Communication

9.0
No Lecture
2/28/11

9.1 Reading Teams receive feedback on

Tu, W EDC Textbook: Ch 10 (Concluding Conceptual Design) prototype and final report draft

Homework
Graphics Exercise 5

Project deliverables
Draft of these sections of the final report: Introduction,
Users/Requirements, Design Concept (in outline form),
Rationale for Design (in outline form), and References.
Latest version of prototype
Design Freeze Documentation: Bring 2 hard copies to class.
Document should include dimensioned sketches and costed
bill of materials to fully communicate your final design. It
should reflect any changes resulting from the review (could
include copies of one or more team members’ sketches for the
graphics exercise #5).

9.2 Teams receive feedback on poster

Th, F Project Deliverables draft.
Draft of entire Final Report, including revision of sections
submitted on 9.1 and the following: Title Page, Executive Workshop, Review report with
Summary, Table of Contents, Design Concept, Rationale for instructors: pay special attention
design, Limitations, Conclusion. Also, the following to Instructions for Construction
appendices: Project Definition, Instructions for Construction and Use, Bill of Materials.
and Use, Bill of Materials, User Observation, User Testing,
Expert Interviews
Poster Draft
Latest version of prototype

10.0
No Lecture
3/7/11

10.1 Project Deliverables Finalize poster and post to Depot

Tu, W Final draft of poster (Post to Depot by the end of class using by end of class
proper naming convention or printing may fail.)
Bring prototype to class

Homework
Team Assessment– fill out online form linked from Blackboard
under EDC Documents. Complete both Process Check and
Peer Review.

10.2 Pick up final poster from Segal office at start of class Practice poster presentations
Th, F Bring prototype to class

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EDC 2011 Winter Quarter Syllabus
Engineering Design and Communication
Sat. Mar. 12
Project fair: 11:30-4:00 pm
All final deliverables (Report, Poster, One-page summary) should be posted in your team’s Final
Deliverables folder on Depot.
Hard copies of the final deliverables should be brought to the Project Fair:
x Poster and Prototype
x Final Report (3 hard copies)
x One-page design summary for judges (3 copies)
x Project folder on depot finalized
*If participating in Leadership Center Teamwork Program:
Meet with your team before Awards ceremony to reflect on how each person did on
their teamwork goals and how the team did on its three teamwork goals. Use
teamwork assignment sheet as your agenda.

Note: Save sketches & photos for yourself for future work (e.g. Segal design portfolio)

11.0 No class sessions or exam

3/14/11 Fill out CTECs

11.1 Homework (Send by email to both instructors)

Tu, W
Individual teamwork memo
or
*If participating in Leadership Center Teamwork Program:
Team Evaluation Worksheet 2: Weeks 6-10 is due (one per individual).
Final Teamwork Assignment. (one per team)

Required texts
x C. Yarnoff, et al. Engineering Design and Communication: Principles and Practice (2010 edition).
Available at Quartet Copies (825 Clark St.)
x R. Lueptow, Graphics Concepts, Second Edition, Available at the Norris Center Bookstore
x P. Specht, Graphics Supplement. Available on Blackboard
x D. Norman, excerpt from The Design of Everyday Things. Available on Blackboard

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