By: Lisa Ali

Chapter 1: Design & Engineering.

What is Technology?

Technology takes place when people use their knowledge to extend their abilities, satisfy needs and wants, and solve problems.

The Development of technology:

By tracking how our wants and needs have developed over time, we can see how technology has developed.

We can categorize most inventions into three different Ages of Technology: Agricultural Age, Industrial Age and Informational Age.

Agricultural Age ( ~10,000yrs ago)

Economy was based on growing crops and raising livestock.

Key Invention:PlowLoomReading and writingMeasurementMoney

Industrial Age ( ~ 1750)

Economy was based on manufacturing.

Key Inventions: Steam engineMass productionTrains, planes, automobileSkyscraper

Information Age

Economy is based on knowledge. Today we live in the Information Age

Key Inventions:Telephone, radio, TV TransistorComputerInternet and World Wide Web

The Design Process

DESIGN is the process of creating things by planning.Designing requires investigating, answering questions, and

making decisions.Designing Steps:

Identify a Need or define the problemGather InformationDevelop Possible SolutionsModel the SolutionsTest and evaluate the solutionRefine the solutionCommunicate your ideas

Identify a need or define the problem:

The first step in beginning the design process is identifying a need or defining the problem.

Think of the Criteria: things that the product must do or include.

Consider the Constraints: limits placed on the design and the designer.

A Design Brief will help clarify design problems: State the problem. List the Criteria.List the constraints.

Gathering Information

Look for information that will help to design a solution.Research how others have solved similar problems Conduct internet searches to locate information Conduct surveysTalk to other people.Feedback from people/customers who will use the

product.

Develop Possible Solutions

Many problems have numerous solutions. Always consider all possible solutions instead of holding onto the first that pops into your head.

Brainstorming is a great technique designers use to develop their ideas. Brainstorming is a process in which group members suggest ideas out loud as they think of them.

Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the ideas that were brainstormed.

The design chosen should not only work good but it must also look good.

Model the Solution Building a model is an additional way of gathering

information and it is a great way to test design ideas. There are many different models you can construct:

Two-dimensional and pictorial drawings, sketches, and renderings can help you visualize what a design solution would look like in real life.

A Prototype is a working model. It looks and functions just like the finished product and is usually made by hand.

Test & Evaluate the Solution MODELS AND DESIGNS MUST BE TESTED!

Important questions that must be answered:Does it do what it is supposed to do?Is it safe to use?Will it last as long as it needs to?Is the cost within acceptable limits?Is it comfortable to use?Does it have a pleasing appearance?Does it stay within the criteria and constraints?

Refine the Solution

After testing and evaluating, there might be changes that will be needed.

This refinement period is where the design is improved before production begins.

Communicate Your Ideas Communicating the idea is just as important as the

design itself – Designers must prove that their designs are worthy of manufacturing.

Drawing, charts, prototypes, and dialogue are the tools used to sell a design idea.

Who Designs Solutions?

An Engineer is a person who uses his or her knowledge of math, science, technology and communication to solve technical design problems.

Engineering changes as new needs develop. As new technologies emerge, new types of engineering are introduced.

Types of Engineers

Classic Engineers: ( Civil, Mechanical, Mining, Chemical) The oldest engineering category is the Civil Engineering

(~1700s) -- this type of engineers most commonly designed structures, which were used by the public.

New Generation of Engineering: ( Manufacturing, Aerospace, Materials, Environmental & Computer )Manufacturing Engineers try to find the best way to produce a

product. Their objective is to increase productivity.Environmental Engineers came developed sue to the rapid

increase of manufacturing. They design cleaner production methods and design systems t clean up polluted sites.

Source:

Harms, & Swernofsky (2007). Technology Interactions 3rd Edition. Glencoe/McGraw-Hill.