Problem Solving

Uxbridge High School

Engineering Design Process

AKA

Problem Solving Introduction

• Technology solves problems.

• Problem Solving meets a need.

• Problems can involve any combination of the environment, society and/or an individual.

• Carefully thought out, multi-step procedure must be used for the best results.

• Problem Solving is also known as the ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS.

The Problem Solving Spiral

Define The Problem Clearly

Think Of Alternative Solutions

Choose The Best Solution

Make a Prototype

Evaluate or test the Solution

You can restart at any step if revisions are

needed.

Gather Information

1

3

5

6

4

2

7

8Communicate the Solution

Begin Production Redesign as needed

(Model may be a circle, steps or other shape)

Scientific Method & Design ProcessCompared

• State the problem

• Gather information

• Form a Hypothesis – an explanation that can

be tested

• Perform the experiment

• Analyzes the results

• Repeat the process with other samples– Reporting the findings

• State the problem

• Gather information

• Create alternative solutions

• Select the best solution

• Create a prototype

• Evaluate or test the prototype

• Communicate the results of the test

• Redesign as needed

Note how some steps are similar.

Describe The ProblemPage 1 of 2

• What is the problem?

• It is helpful to Clearly Identify The Problem

• Two ways to help identify the problem:

~Write the problem in one or two sentences. – Write it down helps to organize thoughts and understanding.

~ Read your sentences or say the problem out loud – The best way is to say it to others. Listeners help to check if it is

truly the problem or is more to the problem.

Stating the problem in Detail Page 1 of 2

– List all design constraints which are the Specifications or regulations, also include the Limitations, which is the resources that are available or not available.

•Describe the problem, List goals of desired results, specifications & limitations.

–List Goals of your solution or what exactly the solution needs to accomplish.

Gather Background Information

• Research saves valuable resources – (Labor, Materials, Energy, Capital ($) and Time)

• Helps to design a better product or service

• Extra time spent on this step most often saves time etc. later.

• Examine current issues, events and trends• Companies do market research to see if

customers want a product (Market Analysis, Product Surveys)

• Explore other options via internet, library, interviews, Etc.

Develop Alternative Solutions• Alternative Solutions are different possibilities to

the same problem often called alternatives.

• Five ways of finding alternatives: Past experience, Trial and error, Brainstorming,

Insight or by Accident

• Brainstorming - each person makes suggestions without evaluation during the brainstorm meeting.– Rule of Brainstorming: Listen to all ideas as it may lead to

other ideas or solutions. No Put Downs!

– Good brainstorming practice is to write every idea down for later reference.

Select The Best Solution

• Compare the solutions and the stated problem to see if the goals or intentions are met and it is within the resource limitations.

• List advantages and disadvantage of each alternative to aid in selecting the best solution.

• Other considerations– Impacts on society, environment and individuals

should be a consideration. – Values and morals - the way we feel about

something– Tradeoffs - A compromise - we accept some

risks in order to obtain benefitscompromise

You Can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometime, you get what you need. ~ The Rolling Stones

Create a Prototype

• Implement or Actually building or creating the solution– put the solution into effect– to create the actual solution

• A prototype is a working model• Simulation - a away of testing solution in

near real conditions (astronaut & pilot training)

Evaluate The Solution• Prototypes or Working Models - usually first build

and used to test or evaluate a solutions to see if they meet design constraints.

• Design constraints are specifications and limitations.

• Technology often becomes obsolete. – Companies that continue to evaluate often develop new

(up-grades) technologies and avoid having the company become obsolete.

Communicate your solutions

• Make an Engineering Presentation. Include how the solution best meets the needs of the problem.

• Discuss impacts to society, individuals, and the environment.

• An explanation of the trade-offs for each solution and why this design is the best solution.

Begin productionRedesign as needed

• Redesign based on information gathered during tests and presentations.

• When design is finalized begin mass production. • Continue to monitor after production.

– Improve products based on consumer input.

– Improve production methods to reduce costs, improve safety for consumers and employees.

– Best solutions work well, are economical and cause the least harm to people and the environment.

Scientific Method & Design ProcessCompared

• State the problem• Collect information• Form a Hypothesis

– an explanation that can be tested

• Perform the experiment

• Analyzes the results• Repeat the process

with other samples– Reporting the findings

• State the problem• Gather information• Create alternative

solutions• Select the best solution• Create a prototype• Evaluate or test the

prototype• Communicate the

results of the test• Redesign as needed

Technology does have positive and negative impacts!

Technology does have positive and negative impacts!

Background to Problem Solving• For the best results follow the problem solving

procedures, don’t skip steps.

• Keep a record of all ideas.

• Remember good solutions often require trade-offs.

• The best solutions work well, are economical, and causes the least harm to people or the environment.

Depends on values,

who possesses the technology, and the trade-offs