Activity 1.7 What Is It?
Introduction
Engineering and design require creativity and the ability to problem solve. You must be able to gather new information, continually learn, and apply what you know to new situations. Engineers try to think outside the box in order to solve new problems or find ways to improve current solutions. In this activity you will act as an engineer and provide an explanation and evaluation of a product that you have hypothetically designed.
Procedure
Assume that you are an engineer that has developed a preliminary design for an important problem. Write and present an explanation and evaluation of your design.
1. Choose one of the designs represented in the four images presented by your instructor (and reproduced as follows) as YOUR design.
2. Think about the object in the image and the problem that it may solve. Answer the following questions.
Engineering and design require creativity and the ability to problem solve. You must be able to gather new information, continually learn, and apply what you know to new situations. Engineers try to think outside the box in order to solve new problems or find ways to improve current solutions. In this activity you will act as an engineer and provide an explanation and evaluation of a product that you have hypothetically designed.
Procedure
Assume that you are an engineer that has developed a preliminary design for an important problem. Write and present an explanation and evaluation of your design.
1. Choose one of the designs represented in the four images presented by your instructor (and reproduced as follows) as YOUR design.
2. Think about the object in the image and the problem that it may solve. Answer the following questions.
- What is it?
- What problem does it solve?
- What criteria were used to guide the design?
- What are the most important features of the design? What features allow it to perform its intended purpose?
- How does your product affect society and the environment?
Conclusion
1. Why is it important for engineers to be creative and think outside the box? Engineers need to be able to think outside the box and be creative people so we can get NEW products and NEW functions, not the same old methods and products that have already been invented.
2. What other characteristics do you believe engineers should possess in order to be successful problem solvers? I believe engineers need to also be cooperative and should be critical thinkers.
1. Why is it important for engineers to be creative and think outside the box? Engineers need to be able to think outside the box and be creative people so we can get NEW products and NEW functions, not the same old methods and products that have already been invented.
2. What other characteristics do you believe engineers should possess in order to be successful problem solvers? I believe engineers need to also be cooperative and should be critical thinkers.