Introduction to Design Briefs

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Forging new generations of engineers
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Introduction to Design Briefs
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At the conclusion of this lesson, you will be
able to
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Step 2 Defining the Problem
Many variations of the design process exist, and
almost all of them require a problem to be
defined after it has been recognized.
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Design Brief
One way to define the problem is through the use
of a design brief. This concise document (no
more than one page) identifies the client,
clearly states his/her problem or need, details
the degree to which the engineer will carry out
the solution, and lists the rules and limits
within which the engineer must perform.
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Design Brief

• The design brief serves as an agreement between
  the client and the engineer.
• The engineer will often return to the design
  brief throughout the design process in order to
  gage the progress and validity of the creative
  work.

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The Client
The client is usually a person, company,
organization, or target consumer group whose
problem or need requires the talents of an
engineer/designer to develop a physical solution
(electrical, mechanical, structural, software,
etc).
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The Designer
The designer is the creative problem- solver.
Engineers are only one type of designer. They
perform engineering design
the application of math, science and engineering
principles to the creation and development of
systems components and processes.
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Problem Statement
The problem statement clearly and concisely
identifies the problem.
A problem statement must never imply or state a
solution. The solution is not the problem.
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Problem Statement
Example of a good problem statement
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Problem Statement
Example of a poor problem statement
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Design Statement
The design statement challenges the engineer to
take action to address the need and to solve the
problem. It must specify the degree to which the
engineer will carry out the solution. The design
statement may also contain an underlying theme or
very important constraint.
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Design Statement
A good design statement should not
unintentionally bias the engineers creative
thought process by using terminology that
suggests an already existing solution.
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Design Statement
Example of a good design statement
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Design Statement
Example of a poor design statement
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Constraints
Giving an engineer an unlimited amount of time
and money to complete a job is impractical.
Limitations must be imposed. Constraints can be
thought of as guidelines that must be followed,
or rules that must not be broken.
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Constraints
Example of constraints
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Constraints
Often, new constraints are discovered that were
not obvious in the beginning stages of the design
process. Because constraints are given in list
form, they may be added to as the design process
plays itself out.
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