To solve problems, engineers follow a series of steps called the Engineering Design Process.
ASK: What is the problem? How have others approached it? What are your constraints?
IMAGINE: What are some solutions? Brainstorm ideas. Choose the best one.
PLAN: Draw a diagram. Make lists of materials you will need.
CREATE: Follow your plan and create something. Test it out!
IMPROVE: What works? What doesn't? What could work better? Modify your designs to make it better. Test it out!
It’s important to note that the EDP is flexible. There are as many variations of the model as there are engineers. With EiE, students work through all five steps, but in real life, engineers often work on just one or two steps, then pass their work to another team.
Also note that the EDP is a cycle – there’s no official starting point or ending point. You can begin at any step, focus on just one step, move back and forth between steps, or repeat the cycle. For example, after you improve your design once, you may want to begin all over again, to refine your technology. You can use the EDP again and again!
If you have any questions, please don't be afraid to ask! Here's a great video to help you understand the process!