ask/define
What is the first step in the engineering design process?
The first step is to define the problem.
What are the key components of a project plan?
A project plan typically includes a clear goal, prioritized tasks, allocated resources, defined deadlines and milestones, and a system for progress monitoring.
What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative research?
Qualitative research explores subjective experiences, ideas, or meanings and uses non-numerical data like interviews, observations, or text.Quantitative research focuses on objective, measurable data to test hypotheses.
What is the difference between testing and evaluation?
Testing is a systematic activity that involves running a system. Evaluation is the process of analyzing the data collected from testing to make a judgment about the quality of the item.
What are the objectives and goals of a prototype?
A prototype's main purpose is to test concepts and validate ideas before committing to a full-scale product launch.
What is the purpose of the "Imagine" or "Brainstorm" step?
The purpose is to generate as many potential solutions as possible without judgment.
What is the first step in creating an action plan?
The first step is to clearly define your overall goal, which provides the foundation for all subsequent planning.
How do you develop a strong research question?
A good research question is focused, specific, complex, and arguable. It guides your entire research project.
Why is it important to conduct testing and evaluation?
T&E is crucial for ensuring a product or system is reliable, safe, and effective before it is released to the public.
What level of fidelity should my prototype have?
Fidelity refers to how closely a prototype resembles the final product in terms of look, feel, and functionality.
What are criteria and constraints?
Criteria are the standards a solution must meet to be considered successful (e.g., a certain level of performance), while constraints are restrictions or limitations that make the problem harder to solve (e.g., cost, materials, time).
How do you handle changes to a project scope?
Handling changes requires a process for evaluating the impact of the change on the timeline and resources, getting approval, and then updating the plan to reflect the new scope.
What is the significance of a research methodology?
A research methodology is the systematic plan for conducting your study, detailing the specific methods you will use to gather and analyze data.
What are the differences between verification and validation?
Verification ensures that a product is built correctly according to specifications, while validation confirms that the right product was built to meet user needs.
How do I make sure my prototype actually works for users?
You need to conduct usability testing by putting the prototype in the hands of potential users.
Why is testing the prototype a crucial part of the process?
Testing is crucial because it allows engineers to see if their solution works in practice, identify what isn't working, and gather data for improvements.
What is the best way to measure if a plan is successful?
Success is measured by comparing the final outcome to the initial objectives and goals, often tracked through defined metrics throughout the project.
What is a literature review and why is it necessary?
A literature review is a critical evaluation of existing research and scholarly work related to your topic.
What is the difference between black-box and white-box testing?
Black box testing checks a system's external behavior based on user requirements without knowledge of the internal code, while white box testing examines the internal code.
What tools and methods can I use to build a prototype?
The right tools depend on the product type and fidelity level.
What happens if the first prototype fails the test?
If a prototype fails, the process moves to the redesign or improve step, which is a key part of the iterative cycle.
How do you ensure a project stays on schedule?
You ensure a project stays on schedule by regularly monitoring progress against milestones, proactively managing dependencies, and using project management tools to track tasks and deadlines.
Why are ethical considerations important in research?
Ethical considerations are crucial to ensure that research is conducted responsibly and justly.
What are some common evaluation questions for a training program?
Evaluation questions can be used to gather feedback before, during, and after training.
How many prototypes should I expect to build?
Prototyping is an iterative process, so you will likely build multiple prototypes, not just one.