Chapter 4 Researching Designs 69
The engineer’s notebook is a record of all the
different analysis performed through the engi-
neering design process. By accurately recording
the research, the engineer can look over the data
and reach a conclusion on the best approach to
solving the problem. Some potential ideas will
clearly not work after analysis of the different
research methods. However, engineers typically
have to choose between multiple solutions that
may work to solve the problem.
To help make these selections, engineers
look at the preferences of the design ideas. Pref-
erences are desirable, but optional, components
of the fi nal solutions. While there may be multi-
ple solutions that meet the constraints and crite-
ria, the engineer may have some preferences that
are met by specifi c designs. These preferences
may also be developed by the project manager
or customer. Engineers must ensure preferences
do not take away from the effectiveness of the
product. However, some preferences fi t into the
best design.
For example, a computer engineer may be
developing a new processor that will speed up
the productivity of a personal computer. The
engineering design team develops three new
processors designed to speed up access and
processes on the computer and will not cost
more to produce than the processors currently
used. One of the new processors also uses signif-
icantly less energy than the other new designs.
The preference of one design being more energy
effi cient is not a requirement, but it helps the
engineers select the new design because of the
“free” feature of energy effi ciency the design
provides.
Final Selection
Taking into consideration the research, trade-
off chart and all of the preferences of designers
and stakeholders, the engineer or engineering
design team makes the selection of the design
to take into development. This selection cannot
be seen as fi nal. Engineers realize with further
design and analysis they may need to revisit
some of their previous ideas if their selected solu-
tion does not work effectively once it is modeled
and further analyzed.
The engineering notebook is critical for
further development of the solutions. With
records of all the initial research into this solution,
engineers will be able to revisit information about
corepics/Shutterstock.comkttt/Shi
Figure 4-17.
A structural engineering
design team analyzes
data and looks over
possible solutions.