Design Process

Before any discussion of CAD, it is necessary to understand the design process in general (Fig. 3). What are the series of events that lead to the beginning of a design project? How does the engineer go about the process of designing something? How does one arrive at the conclusion that the design has been completed? We address these questions by defining the process in terms of six distinct stages: 1. Customer input and perception of need 2. Problem definition 3. Synthesis 4. Analysis and optimization 5. Evaluation 6. Final design and specification A need is usually perceived in one of two ways. Someone must recognize either a problem in an existing design or a customer-driven opportunity in the marketplace for a new product. In either case, a need exists which can be addressed by modifying an existing design or developing an entirely new design. Because the need for change may only be indicated by subtle circumstances—such as noise, marginal performance characteristics, or deviations from quality standards—the design engineer who identifies the need has taken a first step in correcting the problem. That step sets in motion processes that may allow others to see the need more readily and possibly enroll them in the solution process. Mechanical Engineers’ Handbook: Materials and Mechanical Design, Volume 1, Third Edition. Edited by Myer Kutz by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.