ABSTRACT

This chapter lays the foundation of all engineering activities, which are to make things creatively. Having defined what engineering is, the chapter establishes the most important principle of engineering, which is to serve a benevolent purpose for humankind. The execution of engineering is then defined with the principle of the three-step process of innovation originally developed at Stanford University: (1) Identify a compelling need of the right scope by careful observations and even participation in certain clinical practices, interviews, and continued refinement, (2) Invent an optimum solution that addresses the need efficiently and effectively by using disciplined concept generation and concept screening steps, and (3) Implement the solution by simultaneously considering and integrating all major aspects of bringing a product to market, including intellectual property, regulatory consideration, reimbursement, marketing and sales, and a sustainable business plan.