» The Engineering Design Process I

All modern engineering disciplines have what they call their Design Process. Mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil, etc. design textbooks will show their process as a series of steps or a flow diagram. At best these are academic attempts to represent what goes on in the real world of engineering design, analysis and manufacturing. As one enters a specific engineering sector, i.e. aerospace, automotive, petroleum, tech, etc., one quickly learns that the academic design process shown in textbooks fall well short of reality. That said, to survive, the aspiring engineer must still have a good grasp on a generalized Process map if they are to be seen as one ready to contribute upon entering industry.

This 10 minute video covers the topics of Engineer as Creator and Consumer, and a Generalized Engineering Design Process. It also address why one should learn and study design processes. Regardless if you enter the shipbuilding industry or the electronic industry products keep being recycled through the design process. The USS Nimitz has undergone 18 major overhauls since being commissioned.