Egr100
Fall 1999
Ileana Streinu
Doreen Weinberger
Lecture 2
Introduction to Engineering
- What makes an engineering: skills and knowledge.
- Engineering Problem Solving Process.
- What is the problem?
- Research!
- Constraints -> Specifications
- Brainstorming possible solutions.
- Testing a solution: model, build a prototype, experiment, repeat.
- Case analysis: "Northampton is losing viability due to
traffic and parking problems". Problem is vaguely
formulated. Define the key words. State the constraints:
- feasibility
- time (limits)
- safety
- ethical issues
- "Unconstrained design is science fiction".
- Brainstorming rules:
- More ideas the better.
- All ideas are valued.
- No analysis of, or even comment on an idea.
- no penalty for redundancy or even craziness.
- Alternative solutions. Matrix approach to problem
solving. Rows: alternatives found during brainstorming
process. Columns: constraints.
- Teamwork.
- Attend meetings.
- Listen to others.
- Have respect for others.
- find out why others feel the way they do and try to
understand the others point of view.
- don't tell others what they should think.
- give them ideas and try to understand the ideas of others.
- Timelines: Deadliens are ... deadlines!!.
Last updated Sept. 9, 1999.
Ileana Streinu