Design Process
This is the first step in the PLTW engineering design process, where you identify the problem you want to solve.
Define the Problem
This type of sketch is quickly drawn and rough, used primarily for brainstorming and communicating ideas.
Concept Sketch
This written plan identifies a problem to be solved, its criteria, and its constraints.
Design Brief
This type of research involves generating original information through methods such as observation, experiments, surveys, and interviews
Primary Research
In this step, engineers brainstorm and come up with multiple solutions to the problem.
Generate Concepts
These notes written on a concept sketch help to further explain the sketch or idea
Annotations
This part of the design brief involves validating the problem by considering needs, wants, and prior solutions
Problem Validation
This type of research involves gathering information that has already been generated, such as published works and business reports
Secondary Research
This step involves creating detailed technical drawings and plans for the chosen solution.
Develop a Solution
This view typically begins a concept sketch and is defined by the side of the object with the most distinctive shape or longest dimension
Front View
This section of the design brief outlines the criteria and constraints that the solution must meet.
Design Requirements
This tool is used to search for research resources and is a searchable collection of information.
Database
During this step, engineers build a prototype to test the solution.
Construct and Test
This technique involves creating a value scale and applying shading to represent light and shadow on an object
Tonal Shading
This tool is used to compare design solutions against one another using specific criteria.
Decision Matrix
This process involves evaluating the quality of a source by considering factors such as authority, reliability, bias, and currency
Evaluating Information
This final step involves evaluating the prototype's performance and making necessary improvements before presenting the final solution
Evaluate the Solution
This step in tonal shading requires locating the light source and noting that areas closest to the light will be lighter, while areas further from the light will be darker
Determining Light Source
This step involves evaluating the solution's effectiveness, reflecting on the design, and recommending improvements.
Evaluate the Solution
This term refers to the act of using someone else's creation and pretending it was your own, which is avoided by properly citing research sources
Plagiarism