Engineering Method
Introduction
All humans are engineers. Humans engineered the civilization from nature. By engineering we assert our freewill. We intend to engineer a better world in this random universe. The subject of this paper is the method with which we engineer.
Engineering implies a method. A method to design, to improve, or understand a product. We are aware of the scientific method: hypothesis, experiment, and theory; however, the method implied in engineering is not formalized. Thus, I emphasize the Engineering Method.
The Engineering Method is an approach for problem solving or a way to produce an end -product. Engineering a product is a function of the following factors: resources (finance, labour, equipment), time, knowledge, market conditions, and government regulations. A product is engineered to promote our physical survival (a needed product), to enhance our living arrangements (a convenient product) or to fulfill our technological enthusiasm (an amusement product).
Historically, engineering was associated with craftsmanship. Temples, forts, dams, roads, weapons, and sculptures are examples of traditional engineering products. However, the emergence of engineering as a profession, and the systematic application of science to engineering started in the late 19th century. Edison, the legendary inventor of that time is credited with the invention of the "invention method". The "invention method" refers to Edison building the Menlo Park laboratory, bringing together scientists and craftsmen, and identifying and developing breakthrough devices and systems. Today, most products are engineered and manufactured by small and large companies, and most engineers are professionals. Engineering has become an integral feature of the companies.
Companies have their distinct cultures or Engineering Methods. Research groups such as Engineering Design Research Center (EDRC) at Carnegie Mellon and Center for Design Research at Stanford study and develop engineering or design methods. Nigel Cross and Martyn S. Rayare are notable for their suggestions for Engineering Methods. Also, there exists systems such as TRIZ, which can be considered as Engineering Methods. However, the Engineering Method that I want to discuss is the general approach, the system, steps or the attitude that an engineer takes in solving a problem or designing a product. I intend this paper to be a guide in illustrating the steps required in engineering a product. My experience as an engineering student at Ryerson, and the literature review on Engineering Methods are the basis for this paper. I intend to revise this paper upon acquiring more experience and information.
There are many levels of engineering activities. NASA engineers the Viking to explore Mars, a student engineers a remote controlled toy plane, and a hobbyist engineers a kite. Irrespective of the level or complexity of the engineered product, there exists an underlying approach or method implied by engineering. Also, a complex product is usually broken down into its component systems, and the component systems are engineered and integrated. Thus, my focus is the individual engineer or a small team and what method can be used to solve a problem or engineer an end-product.
Do I seek a method to engineer novel products? Yes and No. Innovation does take place in the engineering context and culture. However, much of the elemental engineering activity is adaptation rather than innovation. Innovation is equivalent to breakthrough in science. Adaptation is improvement or modification of the existing products or systems, which can be defined as small-scale or minor innovations.