f. Which step is the most capital-consuming? Why?
g. Which step can be omitted? Why?
h. Would you like to add any steps?
Task 2: Draw a diagram showing the engineering design process mentioned in the text and then
compare it with the one in GETTING READY.
READING
Read the following text about THE DESIGN PROCESS and do the following tasks.
The design process
We frequently talk about designing “a system”. By a system, we mean
the entire combination of hardware, information and people necessary
to accomplish some specified mission. A system may be an electric power
distribution network for a region of the nation, a procedure for detecting flaws
in welded pressure vessels, or a combination of production steps to produce
automobile parts. A large system usually is divided into subsystems, which
in turn are made up of components. There is no universally acclaimed
sequence of steps that leads to a workable design. However, let us more
or less arbitrarily consider the process to consist of the following steps:
Recognition of a need
Definition of a problem
Gathering information
Conceptualization
Evaluation
Communication of the design
The design process generally proceeds from top to bottom in the list, but it must be
understood that in practice some of the steps will be carried out in parallel and that
feedback leading to iteration is a common fact of design.
Recognition of a need
Needs usually arise from dissatisfaction with the existing situation. They maybe
to reduce cost, increase reliability, or just change because the public has become
bored with the product.
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Definition of a problem
Probably the most critical step in the design process is the definition of the problem.
The problem is not always what it seems to be at first glance. Because this step
requires such a small part of the total time to create the final design, its importance
is often overlooked.
It is advantageous to define the problem as broadly as possible. If the definition
is broad, you will be less likely to overlook unusual or unconventional solutions.
Broad treatment of problems that previously were attacked in piecemeal fashion
can have a big payoff. However, you should realize that the degree to which you can
pursue a board problem formulation toward a final design will depend on factors often
outside your control. In most cases, the extent to which you are able to follow a
broad problem formulation will depend on the importance of the problem, the limits
on time and money that have been placed on the problem and your own position in
the organization.
One approach that you should not take is to consider the existing solution to the
problem to be the problem itself. That approach immediately submerges you in the
trees of the forest, and you will find yourself generating solutions to a problem you
have failed to define.
The definition of a problem should include writing down a formal problem statement,
which should express as specifically as possible what the design is intended to
accomplish. It should include objectives and goals, definitions of any special
technical terns, the constraints placed upon the design, and the criteria that will be
used to evaluate the design.
Perhaps the best way to proceed is to develop a problem statement at the initial
problem definition step and then, in the second iteration after much information has
been gathered, develop a much more detailed problem statement that is usually
called the problem analysis.
Gathering information
Perhaps the greatest frustration you will encounter when you embark on your first
design problem will be due to the dearth or plethora of information. No longer will
your responsibility stop with the knowledge contained in a few chapters of a text.
Your assigned problem may be in a technical area in which you have no previous
background and you will not even have a single basic reference on the subject. At
the other extreme you may be presented with a mountain of reports of previous work
and your task will be to keep from drowning in paper. Whatever the situation, the
immediate task is to identify the needed pieces of information and find or develop that
information.
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As proposed by the project sponsor As specified in the project request As designed by the senior designer
As produced by manufacturing As installed at the user’s site What the user wanted
Figure 1.2. How the design depends on the individual who defines the problem
Conceptualization
The conceptualization step is to determine the elements, mechanisms,
processes or configurations that in some combination or other result in
design that satisfies the need. It is the key step for employing inventiveness
and creativity.
Very often the conceptualization step involves the formulation of a model
which may be either of the two general types: analyzed and experimental.
A vital aspect of the conceptualization process is synthesis. Synthesis is the
process of taking elements of the concept and arranging them in the proper
order, sized and dimensioned in the proper way. Synthesis is a creative
process and is present in every design.
Design is very individualized. There are no ironclad rules for teaching
successful design, and unfortunately very little has been written about the
conceptualization step that is at the heart of the design process.
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Evaluation
The evaluation step involves a thorough analysis of the design. The term evaluation
is used more in the sense of weighing and judging than in the sense of grading.
Typically, the evaluation step may involve detailed calculation, often computer
calculation, of the performance of the design by using an analytical model. In
other cases, the evaluation may involve extensive simulated service testing of an
experimental model or perhaps a full-sized prototype.
Communication of the design
It must always be kept in mind that the purpose of the design is to satisfy
the needs of a client or customer. Therefore, the finalized design must be
properly communicated or it may lose much of its impact or significance. The
communication is usually by oral presentation to the sponsor as well as by a
written design report. Detailed engineering drawings, computer programs and
working models are frequently part of the “deliverables” to the customer. It hardly
needs to be emphasized that communication is not a one-time thing to be carried
out at the end of the project. In a well-run design project, there is continual oral and
written dialog between the project manager and the customer.
(G. Dieter. (1983). Engineering Design, pp 32-34. New York: McGraw-Hill.)
Task 3: Read the text again and decide if the following statements True (T), False (F) or Not
Given (NG)?
No. Statement T F NG
1. A system is the result of a design process.
2. The sequence of the steps must be strictly followed for
effectiveness.
3. A need for a new design can arise when the existing
design has been in use for so long.
4. Although a broad definition of the problem is advisable,
it is sometimes impractical.
5. The objectives of the design should be clearly mentioned
in the problem statement.
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6. One of the difficulties of gathering information for a new
design is that you may encounter very controversial
viewpoints.
7. A model is usually developed in the conceptualization step.
8. There is too much literature about the conceptualization
step, which may confuse inexperienced designers.
9. In the evaluation step, if a model is poorly judged, the
whole design process has to be iterated.
10. There should be continual oral and written communication
between the designer and the sponsor or customer.
Task 4: Match the interesting words and phrases in column A, which are in bold in the text, with
appropriate synonyms or explanations in column B.
A B
universally acclaimed repetition
iteration rigid/fixed
overlook critical
piecemeal a scarcity or lack of something
payoff fail to notice something
dearth a thing able to be provided, especially as a product of a
design process
plethora fragmentary or unsystematic
vital a large or excessive amount of something
ironclad worldwide welcomed acknowledged
deliverable good result
Task 5: Translate the following sentences into Vietnamese.
Figurative expressions
Consider the figurative expressions in italics carefully and decide if they should be
maintained or paraphrased in the target language.
1. One approach that you should not take is to consider the existing solution to
the problem to be the problem itself. That approach immediately submerges
you in the trees of the forest, and you will find yourself generating solutions to a
problem you have failed to define.
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.............................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................
2. At the other extreme you may be presented with a mountain of reports of
previous work and your task will be to keep from drowning in paper.
.............................................................................................................................
.............................................................................................................................
LISTENING
Task 6: Listen to the recording on ENGINEERING DESIGN (without watching the video) and
match the names of inventors with their inventions and relevant information about them.
Inventors Inventions Relevant information
1. Alexander a. It took him ages to test
Graham Bell his model.
(Source: www.slideshare.net)
2. Alfred Nobel b. He went to the site on
the very first day when his
design was built.
(Source: www.slideshare.net)
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