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ME
259
Introduction to Design
The design process in the broad context of engineering enterprise, conceptual design including visualization, problem definition, information search, and project planning, intermediate design including modeling and simple analysis, decision making concepts, design documentation, teamwork and communication, use of computer tools in engineering design, case studies and examples from industry, engineering ethics.
Prerequisites:
0600102,0600202
Corequisites:
0600204
0630259
(3-2-3)

Text Book:

  • Engineering Design Process, Yousef Haik and Tamer M. Shahin, CENGAGE Learning, 2nd Ed, 2010.
  • Design Concepts for Engineers, M. Horenstein, 5th Ed, Pearson, 2015.

Reference:

Supplemental notes on certain topics handed out in class.

Coordination:

Major Design TAG.

Prerequisites by Topics:

  1. Workshop Practice
  2. Kinematics and Kinetics
  3. Engineering Drawing
  4. Co-requisite: Strength of Materials

Objectives[^1]:

  1. To introduce the fundamentals of the design process. (2)
  2. To develop professional skills such as leadership, teamwork, communication, professional and ethical responsibility, time and project management, and life-long learning. (3,4,5,7)
  3. To develop problem-solving and design skills using modern computer tools. (1,2)

Topics:

  1. Communication
  2. Visual (Sketching, Engineering Graphics)
  3. Written (Reports, Essays)

  4. Oral (Presentation)

  5. Computer Tools

  6. Software packages (MS Office, Matlab, etc.)

  7. CAD (Solid modeling, AutoCAD)

  8. Design Process and Professional Skills

    An introduction to: open-ended problems, creative thinking, decision making, concept design, design for specification, prototyping, assembling, engineering economics, ethics, social and environmental impact, reverse engineering, teamwork, project management.

Assignments and design projects will be given to practically reinforce the topics.

Evaluation Methods:

  1. Homework
  2. Projects
  3. Quizzes/Exams
  4. Oral and visual presentations
  5. Reports
  6. Self evaluation
  7. Peer evaluation

Course Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Objective 1

1.1 establish design objectives based on needs.

1.2 formulate the design problem based on objectives and constraints.

1.3 generate ideas and alternative solutions systematically.

1.4 evaluate alternative solutions based on analysis to obtain the 'best' solution.

1.5 realize the selected solution in a working model or prototype.

Objective 2

2.1. perform their tasks effectively as members of teams.

2.2 present ideas in oral, written and graphical form.

2.3 respond on ethical dilemmas in design case-studies and projects.

2.4 use their time and resources in design projects effectively.

2.5 gather information or learn new material on their own.

Objective 3

3.1. use computer graphics tools to present their ideas.

3.2 use computer tools in the solution of design problems.

3.3 use computer tools to produce written reports and oral presentations.

Course Classification

Student Outcomes Level Relevant Activities
1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics. L Simple math, physics, kinematics, geometry, computer programming, Solving problems during design tasks.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors. H Assignments and design projects to reinforce course topics.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences. H Technical Reports, Report writing, presentations, present ideas through sketching and drawing.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts. M Codes of ethics. Case studies. Test on professional ethics, Seminars, safety of products, standards, Project (Full concepts developments)
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives. H Work in teams during problem-solving and design activities.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies. M Library search and assignments, self-learning through internet e-courses, Seminars on current issues, reading assignments and essays.

[^1]: Numbers in parentheses refer to the student outcomes