Innovate a product or system to solve a problem or satisfy a need.

Innovation of a product or system should use the engineering design process, which includes the following:

• Define an engineering design problem.
• Identify the criteria (i.e., requirements) and constraints (i.e., restrictions/limits) of the design problem.
• Research potential solutions to the design problem.
• Generate (i.e., brainstorm) multiple solutions to the design problem.
• Sketch the solutions to the design problem.
• Evaluate the requirements and constraints of each solution to the design problem.
• Justify an optimal solution to the design problem.
• Create a model or prototype for the chosen solution to the design problem, using appropriate materials and processes (e.g., 3D rapid prototyping).
• Determine the objectives for an engineering test of the solution to the design problem.
• Test the solution to the design problem, using mathematical, conceptual, and/or physical modeling, simulating, and optimizing.
• Evaluate the test results.
• Formulate an alternate solution to the design problem, if needed.
• Test the alternate solution, if needed.
• Present the final project report.
• Document the final project report.

Process/Skill Questions:

• What are some possible products or systems that could be innovated?
• How could a product be altered to accommodate a person with disabilities (e.g., ADA compliant)?
• How could a product be altered to improve it?